Meridian residents react to high gas prices

MERIDIAN, Miss. - Meridian residents are beginning to feel the dent in their wallets with gas prices continuing to rise. A regular gallon of gas at Walmart on Highway 39 is $2.38 with diesel being $2.47. One resident says the cost has gone up about $15 just to fill up his truck when it’s usually only $40.

It's probably about 50 or 60 dollars now," says resident Scott Hudson.

According to AAA, gas prices in Mississippi have gone up about 37 cents compared to last month. Hudson says he’s not surprised on how high the demand has gotten.

“You usually see gas prices rise around the summer driving season so it’s not that uncommon for gas prices to be rising and we’ve been fortunate enough to have them down for quite awhile," said Hudson.

AAA says gas prices are expected to continue rising due to crude prices, gas supplies as well as lost oil refineries. One resident says her usual $30 for gas has jumped to $40.

“We’re still basically not as wide open as business and people aren't traveling quite as much so the demand-this is like summer time demand, it’s ridiculous," said resident Jan Bushman. "It’s just wrong, I think people are taking advantage of the situation.”

Officials say the price of gas will likely increase to $3 a gallon by Memorial Day.