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Gas Prices hit CNY Hard, Inflation at Highest Rate in Decades Gas Prices hit CNY Hard, Inflation at Highest Rate in Decades

By Zachary Letson

Gas Prices rise in New York with Worst Inflation Mark in 40 Years
© 2022 Zachary Letson

ZACH LETSON: Just about everybody in Central New York and across the United States has taken a look at prices at a gas station while driving by. Then probably taken a second look in shock after realizing the stark increase. Inflation is rising at an annual rate of 7.5 percent. That’s the highest in 40 years. You don’t even have to be behind the wheel to feel the effects.

MORGAN STRIGGLES: Even if you’re not driving, you know, the gas prices have affected the cost of taking the bus, taking the train, taking, you know, anything like that. Any means of motor transportation, the prices have increased.

LETSON: Everybody in Central New York has to deal with inflation whether it’s here at a gas station at Erie Boulevard, buying groceries, you name it. But not everybody has the same perspective as to why prices have spiked the way they have 

STEVE SMITH: I commute from Morrisville to East Syracuse every day, so, you know, it definitely has impacted how much I drive around in my spare time. I have a small farm as well, so that’s kind of made everything harder over there, too.

LETSON: So Steve, do you see prices getting better anytime soon?

SMITH: Oh hell, no. It’s going to keep going up. I mean, with everything going on in the world its just a matter of time before it hits four or five dollars a gallon.

LETSON: What that continued increase could mean is a harsh reality for the everyday citizen.

STRIGGLES: It’s unfortunate, and for the average, working individual here in this country, a lot of people won’t be able to afford it. You know? And if you do, you’re only going to the places that are necessary. You’re not doing the extras anymore. 

LETSON: Zach Letson, N-C-C News.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Just about everybody in Central New York and across the United States has taken a look at prices at a gas station while driving by. Then probably taken a second look in shock after realizing the stark increase. Inflation is rising at an annual rate of 7.5 percent. That’s the highest in 40 years. You don’t even have to be behind the wheel to feel the effects.

“Even if you’re not driving, you know, the gas prices have affected the cost of taking the bus, taking the train, taking, you know, anything like that,” said Morgan Striggles, the Director of Human Resources at Christopher Community. “Any means of motor transportation, the prices have increased.”

Striggles said he used to drive from Syracuse to New York City for work opportunities but has since began looking for other methods of transportation.

“I commute from Morrisville to East Syracuse every day, so it definitely has impacted how much I drive around in my spare time,” said Steve Smith, a truck delivery driver for Bulk and Beverage. I have a small farm as well, so that’s kind of made everything harder over there, too.”

Smith said he now has to pay 170 dollars to completely fill up his truck’s gas tank. He doesn’t see prices improving anytime soon.

“Oh hell, no. It’s going to keep going up. I mean, with everything going on in the world it’s just a matter of time before it hits four or five dollars a gallon.”

What that continued increase could mean is a harsh reality for the everyday citizen.

“It’s unfortunate, and for the average, working individual here in this country, a lot of people won’t be able to afford it,” said Striggles. “And if you do, you’re only going to the places that are necessary. You’re not doing the extras anymore.” 

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