Locals in Yuma react to gas prices continuing to rise

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - As gas prices continue to rise, more people in Yuma County are growing concerned.

Locals say they're frustrated that the price of gas has gotten to where it is now, adding they're losing faith that there could ever be a price drop in the future.

"It's like there's no running away from it. You're gonna find expensive gas all throughout the country and it's unfair," said Patrick Rylee, a Yuma local.

According to AAA, the average price of gas in Yuma County is $4.20. They say just a month ago, the price for regular unleaded gas was $3, something some locals say feels unfair.

"Makes me feel bad…makes me feel like I'm getting ripped off. The obvious reason why gas prices are getting so high is because what our president and our government are doing," said Rod Eck, another Yuma local.

Rylee says he moved to Yuma from Temecula, California six months ago, looking for a cheaper place for him and his family to live.

He says with prices like the ones at the gas pump, he feels like he never left.

When asked if he is worried gas prices could climb even higher, Rylee says, "Oh yeah. 100%. This is a never-ending battle...never-ending. You can run from it...I ran from this six months ago, and it's back."

Some locals, like Eck, say they've had to change their way of living just to be able to afford filling their tank.

"We don't travel around as much...We're cutting back on groceries, so we can afford gas. It's hurting," Eck shared.

"I stay at home a lot. I live in a fifth wheel, and I minimize everything, and I just simplify my life because, to me, prices are not gonna go down...They gonna keep going up," said Deb Purdy, another Yuma local.

Residents say they'd like to see gas prices closer to $3, but don't know how soon that'll happen.