Rec gas prices spike to $7 at SWFL marinas, hitting local boat businesses

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

AAA reports the average price of gas in the United States is $4.48. The spike in gas prices is causing headaches for drivers and local boaters who operate businesses that rely on gas.

WINK News anchor Annalise Iraola caught up with one local charter captain and owner about how he's keeping up with the cost.

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

When WINK News 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, rec 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. 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.