Local Drivers Voice Concerns as Gas Prices Climb

Residents say rising costs are straining their budgets and making it harder to get around

Mar. 10, 2026 at 12:23am

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Local drivers in Eugene, Oregon are expressing concern over rising gas prices, saying the increases are making it difficult to afford their daily commutes and other expenses. The price spike is attributed to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has driven up crude oil prices, according to AAA.

Why it matters

The rise in gas prices is impacting the budgets of many local residents, forcing them to adjust their monthly spending in order to afford the higher fuel costs. This can have a ripple effect on the broader economy as consumers have less discretionary income to spend on other goods and services.

The details

Drivers like Cati Turner and Coleman Frazier say they are having to put in less gas per fill-up, with $50 no longer fully covering their tanks. The higher prices are adding financial stress, making it harder for them to afford other necessities like food for their families. AAA spokesperson Marie Dodds explains that the price spike is directly tied to the conflict in Iran, which has caused crude oil prices to surge to near four-year highs.

  • On Monday, March 10, 2026, local drivers voiced their concerns about rising gas prices.

The players

Cati Turner

A local driver in Eugene, Oregon.

Coleman Frazier

A local driver in Eugene, Oregon.

Marie Dodds

A spokesperson for AAA.

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What they’re saying

“I only put 50 bucks in and my tank's not even full. Normally, 50 would fill it up. So yeah, it kind of sucks.”

— Cati Turner

“It's exhausting to know the prices going up high every day, you know? And it's like putting a stress on me being able to afford other things, too, you know, to feed the family and stuff.”

— Coleman Frazier

“We are seeing gas prices spike because we've seen crude oil prices soar to near four-year highs following the conflict in Iran. These types of big jumps do happen when we have a conflict or Mother Nature impacting oil production.”

— Marie Dodds, AAA Spokesperson

What’s next

Analysts will continue to monitor the situation in Iran and its impact on global oil supplies, which could lead to further fluctuations in gas prices in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

The rise in gas prices is putting a significant strain on the budgets of many local residents, forcing them to make difficult choices about their spending. This highlights the broader economic impact that global conflicts and supply chain disruptions can have on everyday consumers.