WSET.com - ABC13Locals React to Gas Price Increase

Reporter: Heather Rosenbaum | Videographer: Jonathan Merryman

Danville, VA - Plenty have noticed that the price of gas keeps going up, and some locals and nonprofits that means making difficult choices to stay on budget.

From this time last year, gas is up nearly 50 cents. And while many people cut back on big trips, they feel the increased cost every single day.

Filling up the tank for Danville resident Kerry Hairston means a compromise.

"You have to make choices, eat, pay your rent, and then buy gas. It's rough," she said.

She is not the only one. Regional One spends their day transporting patients, but when it comes to filling up the tank, that's when they feel the pain.

"We've wanted to do some expansion but due to fuel prices and due to the uncertainty of the economy, we are kind of holding off on that," said Tim Duffer, director of Regional One.

In fact, they've had to upgrade some of their vehicles largely because of fuel costs. Their old ambulances got only 8 miles per gallon. The new ones reach 15 mpg.

"Our business is not something where we are trying to sell a product. We are there when people need us, so we have to be here," said Duffer.

It's the same thing with the Boys and Girls Club. When prices go up, choices kick in.

"Across the board you have to tighten the belts pretty hard to make sure we can continue providing all of our services, including transportation," said Shervin Rassa, the director of Boys and Girls Club.

Hairston says she knows; she shuttles kids all day to the Boys and Girls Club.

"Oh I tell you, it's ridiculous, especially when we are trying to pick up children, trying to do something that's good," she said.

Experts predict gas prices could break $4 by May. Some say it could get as high as $4.15 by Memorial Day.