Gas prices spike to $4.48 nationwide, hitting Fort Myers boaters hard

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — Gas and oil prices have been fluctuating significantly due to the ongoing war in Iran.

Triple A reports the average price of gas in the United States is $4.48. The spike in gas prices is causing headaches for drivers across the country.

Local boaters who operate businesses that rely on gas are also feeling the impact. WINK News caught up with a local charter captain and owner to find out how he's keeping up with the costs.

Glen from Lee County said he was shocked by the recent increase.

"It's gone up just 20 cents in the last couple of days," Glen said.

William from Lee County expressed concern about the rising prices.

"It is hard for us, especially us," William said. "We work every day, drive a lot, and I hope it's coming down as soon as possible."

For local business owners like Rob Jones, owner of Pelican Bay Charters, the price at the pump hits differently.

"So far, we were just eating it," Jones said. "I mean, we use a lot of fuel in a day, especially during just coming out of season."

When WINK checked in with Jones in March, the gas that boats use was a little less than $6. Now at Moss Marina, that price is $6.20.

At nearby Port Sanibel Marina, recreational gas is just over $7.

"When we do fill up, we're putting about 60 gallons in the boat every time at, you know, anywhere from the $5 to $7 range right now," Jones said.

As of now, Jones has not raised his prices to keep up with the rising cost of gas. But he's keeping a close eye on whether prices continue to rise.

"We haven't decided if we're going to drop them back down to our summer prices, you know, just because the gas pricing, but we probably will drop it back down a little bit for the summer, as long as gas doesn't go a lot, much higher," Jones said.