Carrollwood Gas Prices Nearing $4

Does your wallet feel lighter every time you fill up?

You’re not alone!

Carrollwood area residents are seeing a pinch at the pumps that’s become even more evident in the last week or so.

A drive through town Feb. 21 revealed prices edging toward $4. On Feb. 12, the price was only $3.60. The Shell on the corner of Ehrlich and Hutchison roads had regular gas priced at $3.85 a gallon Feb. 21. The 7-Eleven at 11211 N. Dale Mabry Highway, however, was up to $3.90 on Thursday, according to Carrollwood-Northdale Patch's Commute page.

Last week, we reported that gas in the Tampa Bay area had gone up by as much as 25 cents a gallon for regular in the last 30 days. Now, it's climbed even higher.

The reasons for the spike are varied and include:

• Winter weather up north
• A brighter economic outlook on the worldwide scene that’s raising oil prices
• The switch to summer blends that many American refineries are making this time of year

Seeing an increase in gas prices this time of year isn’t out of the ordinary. AAA Auto Club South’s Jessica Brady to The Tampa Tribune last week that higher prices are likely to remain through April.

If you want to find the cheapest places to fuel up in the Carrollwood and Northdale areas, be sure to check out Patch’s Commute page before you head out to buy.

How are the higher gas prices impacting your family’s budget? Are you having to cut corners elsewhere? Do you think anything can be done or should be done to lower the prices? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.