Gas prices spike 16 cents in a week

TAMPA - Next time you fill up get ready to pay more— a lot more.

Gas prices have shot up 16 cents in just the last week. And so far, there's no let up in sight.

This time of the year, prices at the pump typically level off. But instead, they're spiking higher.

"I don't know, seems like someone's pulling a fast one," Tampa resident Allen Tyson said.

The average price for unleaded gas in Tampa jumped to $2.53. Statewide, the average price is $2.58, one cent higher than the national average.

For Tyson, who drives anywhere from five to 600 miles a week, that adds up fast.

"Right now, I'm close to 40 bucks here. It's a lot," he added.

"That's outrageous. There's no reason. This is not New York City. This is Florida," Plant City resident Sylvia Blocker said.

Experts blame higher crude prices combined with the falling value of the dollar.

"When the dollar weakens investors speculate and they want to get into commodities and specifically crude oil to hedge against the weak dollar and that's what's driving the price." AAA Auto Club South spokesman Gregg Laskoski said.

"People here are losing their houses. They're losing everything they have and they can't even look for a job because they can't even look for a job because of the price of gas." Blocker said.

Find the lowest gas prices in Tampa Bay.

And with the holiday travel season just around the corner, airline prices are on the rise too.

Agents say last year's bargain flights are long gone. Instead, a round trip to the Northeast or out West could run $600 or more.

"Be prepared for higher prices. I don't know what else to tell you! Just be prepared for the shock!" Elva More, of AAA Travel said.

But at this rate, many say hitting the highway isn't much better.

"Well. I'll have to cut back elsewhere. Buy less groceries. Buy less clothes," Tyson said. "You just have to cut back."

Experts say gas could still go higher but they don't expect the prices to jump as quickly as they have in the last two weeks.