Fort Myers drivers react as gas prices spike nearly 20 cents

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Drivers across Southwest Florida are feeling the pinch after a sharp spike at the pump, with prices jumping nearly 20 cents overnight.

Litisha, a Fort Myers resident, summed up the frustration many are feeling. "It's really a lot," she said.

AAA officials say the increase is tied to rising oil prices and global uncertainty impacting supply. Mark Jenkins, a AAA spokesperson, explained the sudden jump

"We saw a pretty significant jump in oil prices last week, with them rising about 13%," Jenkins said. "Gasoline futures increased 46 cents per gallon, so we were anticipating an increase at the pump, and we're seeing it now."

For some drivers, it's an inconvenience but manageable. Chris Martin, a Fort Myers resident, said the higher prices aren't breaking the bank just yet.

"It's an inconvenience that we have to pay a little bit more, but it's something that I can, you know, I can deal with personally," Martin said.

Others say the impact is adding up quickly. Litisha said the rising costs are forcing her to fill up more often and spend more each time.

"I have to go to the pumps more often than normal," Litisha said. "I just had to put $50 in my car, before it was like maybe $40 that I would put to fill up my tank. But it's a lot."

While experts point to global factors like oil price spikes, for drivers here, it's the day-to-day cost that's hitting home, forcing some to reconsider how far they can go and how much they can spend. A new survey from Advance America shows many Americans are nearing a breaking point, with those in Florida saying $5 a gallon would force major changes.

For some, that tipping point is already top of mind. Litisha said $5 a gallon would create serious problems.

"If we hit $5, it's just like, look, I'm going to have a reason," Litisha said. "I can't go to work because I don't have any gas. And then that's going to be a big problem."

Experts say prices could continue to fluctuate in the days ahead.