News 12 at 11, June 1, 2007

AUGUSTA, Ga. --- It's been on our minds for years. Remember these numbers? 99 cents a gallon. Now we can multiply that by four. As gas prices are reaching a new and increasingly unaffordable height.

"And it was set and steady at 99 cents a gallon for the longest time, when I was a teenager buying gas. $4.00 a gallon right now, is just crazy," Marquzee Hawkins said.

Ten years ago, back in 1998, you could buy a gallon of gas for less than a dollar. In June of 2000, gas in Augusta was $1.49. And even then people complained. Now, if we could only go back.

A driver in 2000 said, "I think they're way too high. But what choice do I have? I have to pay it. I have to ride."

In 2002, less than $1.10. But the numbers didn't stop there. In August 2006, gas was $2.77 in Augusta. And this past September, $2.58. Still then, two and a half dollars seemed unbearable.

A driver in 2007 said, "I try to search for the cheapest gas prices. And try to drive till I get to that gas station."

But today were looking at bigger numbers, with no relief in sight. In North Augusta we found $3.79 a gallon. That's more than a dollar more a gallon than just nine short months ago.

"I think people are pretty fed up. Very fed up. I know I am," Hawkins said.

Fed up because with each pump, the prices get closer and closer to four bucks making us all wonder just how high can it go.