Gas prices expected to rise above $4 with Russian invasion of Ukraine

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - According to AAA spokesperson Lori Weaver Hawkins, prices will go up for gas, but also for restaurants, retail and possibly flights.

This all comes after Russian forces continue their assault on Ukraine. NBC News reports 137 people have been killed and 316 wounded, all as the United States and its allies impose sanctions on Russia.

Just because it is happening on the other side of the world doesn’t mean the impact is not felt in our region.

Hawkins, who’s based in Charleston, said gas prices will continue to rise.

“We have already been seeing prices go higher this year and that is in part in anticipation of this occurring,” Hawkins said.

The big question is how long will it be until we hit that $4 mark.

“We probably will see $4 a gallon nationally here in West Virginia since we started out lower. It’s hard to say. I don’t have a crystal ball, obviously,” Hawkins said. “But I will say it is not out of the question that we start to see that $4 mark.”

People at the pump said if gas prices get any higher they may try to walk to the store or fill up their tank less.

“I try to wait to get gas for money purposes because I don’t have that money to pay $50 a week for gas. I have to wait it out and limit it,” said Sarah Meadows.

Christopher Young said people are stretched thin.

“If these prices keep going up, I don’t know what anyone is going to do. So it is going to be where nobody is going to able to afford gas. You go around the corner and you put $10 in. You don’t go anywhere,” Young said.

It won’t just be gas prices, according to Hawkins, who said the price of crude oil is going up -- which directly affects gas prices, diesel, transportation and more. She also said COVID-19 had already stretched the supply chain thin before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Because of the higher cost of crude and tighter supplies on the world market, we are going to see prices rise at retail locations restaurants,” Hawkins said.

No matter the price, Hawkins encourages people to check their tire pressure, avoid unnecessary weight in the car, and avoid stopping and starting too quickly.

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