Last night, we told you about the midnight jump in the price of fuel - and today, the hard reality has settled in: the pump price of Regular and premium gas has broken the $13 dollar mark - and diesel fuel could be next.
This grim reality has left vehicle owners and businesses with serious gas pain - and we went to a couple gas stations today to find out how acute it is:
Last night, vehicle owners rushed to gas stations to try and fill up before the 10 percent increase on premium and regular gasoline. And while they realized some savings, today it was pure gas pain at the pump:
Consumer
Honestly, I don't really know how we feel because due to the economic change due to the war that is happening in the Middle East, this is bound to happen, to be honest. So I don't know how if we feel."
"It's just basically we have to go with it, I guess, until they come up with a specific change."
Consumer
"It's unbelievable. It's incredible that I don't know how the Belizean people get by with the amount of fuel cost along with everything else."
Consumer
"Man, it's definitely a gas pain because cost of living is alreadt high and gas price going up $12, nearly $13, something like that. We can't do nothing about it. We just have to cope with it and hope that the price goes down back soon."
Consumer
"It is a problem for us because we as taxi, If the gas price raises, we have raise our price and some customers say the price high."
"So we have to negotiate with them so they can ride."
Reporter
"How do you feel about the gas prices?"
Consumer
"I fell bad, because I know it raised two weeks ago and it raise again. And when Johnny won, he said he would drop the gas price and from he won everything is going up."
And while they're feeling gas pain, most accept that it's going to get worse.
Consumer
"I would pray a lot, but the way how things are aligned right now, trust me, it may get worse."
"We just have to prepare ourselves as Belizeans, as a third world country, I should say, being affected by what is happening because it's worldwide."
Reporter
"How this is affecting you personally, like how much money more you think you have to put in this car?"
Consumer
"I am saving my money to get a bicycle." (laughing)
Consumer
"It's very possible. Paying attention to the Middle East and all these conflict and things that will create this problem for us. So I think it's very possible."
"The man said, they're going to keep the strait closed. So if you keep strait close, the gas price might go at $250 US per barrel. So it will be higher. Very possible. I hope it don't, but you'll have to wait and see."
Reporter
"What are the adjustments that you would have to make if you go up again?"
Consumer
"Well, I'd probably have to ride my bicycle more and park this car because it's very difficult."
Consumer
"Yeah, it's worse because of the war and so. Maybe in a week or two it will come back to normal, but until then we will pay the price for the gas because we have to run."
Reporter
"And if it doesn't go down, what do you see happening with your business?"
Consumer
"I will have less riders. They will use dollar van, because at the end of the day our prices has to change, because the price of gas is high."
Reporter
"What will happen to this vehicle if the price goes up one more time?"
Consumer
"I will have to stop drive and walk."
Consumer
"I don't see it getting any better. I already spent about $200 bucks."
Reporter
"And how much did you use to spend before the increase?"
Consumer
"Years ago about $140."
Consumer
"Gas price sent up too far."
Reporter
"Are you expecting worse?"
Consumer
"In terms of expecting worse, it's the politician who owns vehicles. I do not own a vehicle. But at the same time, I am taking my time."
For now, the conflict in the middle east continues to choke world oil supplies and, locally, the pressure of choosing between comfort and affordability continues. Jaleeza Roberts, 7 News.
