Gas prices climbed nearly 25 cents on Wednesday after the price of crude oil hit a record high.
Oil futures rose to a new record above $123 a barrel after the Energy Department reported an unexpected drop in diesel and heating oil supplies last week.
The rise in oil prices sent gas prices soaring nationwide. A gallon of gas now costs an average of $3.77 in Columbus, 10TV's Patrick Bell reported.
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Drivers told 10TV News that they were feeling the pinch.
Robin Bell said she has been driving until her gauge is on Empty. But on Wednesday, she ran out of gas.
"Basically it's just too much and I have other things to do with my money, so at the last minute I had to get gas, which I dreaded," Bell said.
After paying $5.41 to fill up an emergency can, she walked back to her car in the rain, 10TV's Kurt Ludlow reported.
"It's not the first time, but this will definitely be the last," Bell said.
Kristina Keck, a college student, said she can't afford to pay $60 to fill up.
"Luckily I have my parents who fill up my gas tank once a week," Keck said. "Thanks Mom and Dad!"
Keck said she is cutting back on driving and taking the bus whenever possible, Ludlow reported.
Mandy Henderson told 10TV that she leaves the car at home.
"I walk to work," Henderson said. "I walk my daughter to school and I only use the car probably once a week."
If oil prices rise to $200 like some analysts believe it could, gas prices would reach about $7 per gallon, Bell reported.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for continuing coverage on rising gas prices.
