Gas prices surge overnight in Fort Myers, drivers scramble for savings

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Gas prices surged overnight by roughly 20 cents, with some Fort Myers stations now topping $4 a gallon as tensions in the Middle East reignite.

When every fill-up hits the wallet a little harder, getting the best deal can start to feel like a game of strategy. WINK News reporter Sydney Nauman talked with families about the ways they're changing their routines to make the pinch at the pump hurt a little less.

Drivers woke up Wednesday morning to find $4 prices across the board at Fort Myers gas stations. Some say saving on gas now starts before they even get in the car.

"Cost me almost $80 to fill my Honda," said James Cannon, a Punta Gorda resident.

Paul Maguire said the climbing prices are changing the way his family approaches fueling up.

"It just seems to be climbing and climbing," Maguire said. "The process is really having gasoline company apps…seeing what deals are on the apps, but they're not really enough to make a big, big dent. You know, 5 cents off a gallon is not really enough when you're creeping over $4 a gallon."

Others are looking for savings before they even pull up to the pump. Cannon said he tries to shop at wholesale clubs when he can, so he can take advantage of their gas discounts.

"It's very stressful having to constantly think about it on top of paying for kids, high-priced groceries that are already just insane, so somebody's gotta do something to fix it," Cannon said.

Once the tank is full, Maguire said every move counts.

"Consolidating your trips, making sure when you go out you hit a couple places to get the most bang for your gallon," Maguire said.

Still, there's one part most drivers say they can't opt out of.

"They kinda got us at the point of a gun here, really, because you don't really have much of a choice, you've gotta fill your car up, you've gotta get to work, so what are you gonna do?" Cannon said.

For now, motorists say they'll keep playing their hand, looking for discounts wherever they can and making each gallon go a little further.