As the war against Iran surpasses a month, and gas prices continue to reach record levels, residents around southwest Atlanta, East Point, and South Fulton are feeling the pinch, along with everyone else.
Regular gas is averaging more than $3.50 per gallon, and premium gas is averaging $4.50 a gallon in Georgia, according to AAA, even with the Georgia gas tax suspended. In addition, diesel is more than $5 a gallon.
But for those who depend on a set, relatively small income every month, that pinch is causing real economic pain.
Beverly J., who lives off Campbellton Road, said she has changed her driving habits in order to conserve fuel. “I used to leave my car running when I’d grab a bag of ice from the ice machine”, the 67 year old retired postal worker said. “But now I make sure to turn that sucker off, and I try to run errands once or twice a week only and get everything I need while I’m out, so I don’t just be riding around, burning gas”.
Aaron Jones, who last year moved to East Point from central Florida, found a job at a restaurant but was laid off. He says keeping gas in his big Mercury Grand Marquis with only about $200 per week in unemployment benefits keeps his travel options limited while he hustles to find work.
“I don’t give no rides no more”, he offered. “I can’t afford to haul nobody around unless they got some gas money. I can’t afford to be a free taxi”.
East Point has one of the highest poverty rates in the metro area at around 25%. The city has a significant number of retirees, disability payment recipients, and working class families living at or below the poverty level so when prices go higher, the effect is real for many folks in the area.
President Donald Trump has insisted that the war in Iran will soon end, and has said gas prices will tumble once the effort has ceased.
In the meantime, many folks are keeping an eye on their wallets–and on the gas needle.
“If his (Trump’s) war goes on, ain’t no tellin’ how much we’ll be paying for gas”, said Toya, a single mother of 4. “If it goes much higher, I’mma sell my car and save and go electric or start staying home more”.