High gas prices stressing drivers amid LIRR strike

As more Long Islanders hit the road during the LIRR strike, some drivers said higher gas prices are adding to the financial strain.

Vince Vacca, of Centereach, said filling up his tank now costs nearly $80.

“The gas prices are definitely hurting everybody,” Vacca said while fueling up his 15-gallon Subaru. “It’s costing me almost $80 just to fill up my tank, and there are way more people on the road, so you’re burning more gas just being stuck in traffic.”

Vacca said prices have risen sharply in recent months.

“They’re double what they were a couple months ago, so it’s definitely hurting my pocket, and I’d assume everybody else’s,” he said.

Ralph Cefarello, of Melville, said the increased cost of fuel is a burden, especially for people who drive every day. He had just spent $38 to fill up his GMC Yukon, something he typically does once a week.

“The gas prices today are out of sight,” he said. “I hope things change for the better.”