The skyrocketing price of gasoline is taking a toll on everyday Americans who work hard to try and make ends meet. With the national average gas price hitting $4.53 per gallon, most everyone is feeling the pinch at the pump

For those who commute long distances and rely on their vehicles for work, the increased fuel costs are eating into their already tight budgets. Chris Nething, a local plant worker, spends around $120 a week on gas, up from $70 a few months ago. He said his hourly wage of $25 is not enough to make it, so he’s out doing lawn work to help pay the bills. Local workers who travel into town to work minimum paying jobs are finding it hard to keep up with the fuel costs, one counter clerk at a local convenience store is walking two miles each way because her car quit running and she doesn’t have the money to get it fixed. She added, she couldn’t pay her insurance anyway, so she either gets a ride or walks.

This surge in expenses is forcing families to make tough decisions, like cutting back on non-essential spending or even skipping trips.

Recent price increases at local restaurants are now noticeable. For example, two eggs, toast, and a cup of coffee is right at $11, not including the tip. But the impact goes far beyond a morning breakfast. Utility bills are soaring, vehicle repairs are now over $125 per hour, and vacations for a week for a family of four can easily cost upwards of $3,500.

One local community recently reported 71 customers with their water shutoff for nonpayment, and another 140 shutoff notices sent out.

The rising gas prices are also driving up transportation and shipping costs, affecting the broader economy. According to a Marist University poll, over 80% of Americans are feeling financial strain, with 63% placing blame on the administration’s foreign policies.

The general publics perception is warranted as they struggle, but Government spending is at an all-time high at every level.

As gas prices continue to climb, it’s clear that the issue is affecting people from all walks of life. According to AAA high gas prices are taking a toll on family vacations. Statistics show 45% of respondents in a national survey planned to cancel travel due to high gas and airline ticket prices. Overall 16% of Americans have canceled or postponed trips planned for this year due to other high costs, while 67% of Americans say gas prices are directly impacting their driving plans, with 36% taking fewer road trips.

So, while many Americans are cutting back and being forced to choose between a family vacation or staying closer to home, others are struggling to just keep food on the table and pay necessary bills. A recent survey by the 2025 State of Homelessness report, shows that rising housing costs and low incomes due to the current economic crisis are significantly contributing to forced homelessness. It’s estimated that 7.1 million affordable housing units are needed to meet the demand. Key factors contributing to homelessness are soaring rent increases, record household debt, and mass layoffs, along with economic instability, and the cost of oil.

The outlook is not a good one and surely doesn’t reflect the promises made to the American people of “Make America Great Again”.