UPDATE: Gas prices in Durango have surged dramatically, with many stations now charging over $3.40 per gallon, a steep rise from $2.80 just weeks ago. As of July 14, 2023, a Circle K located on Main Avenue is charging $3.89 for unleaded gas and $4.99 for diesel, reflecting the nationwide impact of ongoing conflicts in Iran disrupting oil shipments.
The situation is urgent as the conflict escalates, affecting supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping channel. Residents are feeling the pinch, with employees at local gas stations reporting increased customer anxiety and stockpiling behavior.
Nikki Sellers and Heather Gibson, employees at the Marathon gas station near Durango High School, noted a significant uptick in customers filling gas cans. Sellers stated, “It’s probably gone from someone filling a gas can once a week to four times a week.” The price per gallon at Marathon has risen sharply, from $2.60 last week to $3.59 on Friday, raising concerns for retirees and those on fixed incomes.
Customers are reacting strongly to the price hikes. “We get yelled at constantly because our gas prices keep going up,” Gibson said, reflecting the frustration many feel regarding the rising costs. With prices continuing to climb, many residents are asking if relief is on the horizon.
Some locals, however, are attempting to adapt. One resident expressed optimism about price stabilization, while another, Hatch Miller, a 17-year-old student, lamented that filling his truck has increased from $40 to nearly $60. He is now considering riding his bike to work more often to offset the costs.
Despite the challenges posed by rising gas prices, residents are trying to maintain perspective. One woman, who chose to remain anonymous, acknowledged the inconvenience but stated, “Wars are always going to happen, our prices are going to go up and down… I try to know it’s just a season, right?”
With the conflict in Iran ongoing, experts warn that gas prices are likely to remain elevated for the foreseeable future. As the situation develops, residents are left to navigate a landscape of uncertainty in their daily lives.
For immediate updates on the gas prices and the implications of international conflicts on local economies, stay tuned as this story unfolds.
