Gas prices purging drivers' wallets at the pump

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Gas prices are soaring in Wisconsin and across the country. 

AAA Director of Public Affairs Nick Jarmusz told CBS 58 drivers are starting to feel the impact of high gas prices.

"It's been quite a while, close to 10 years," Jarmusz said about the last time prices were this high locally.

Ten years ago, in 2012, Milwaukee set the record for a gallon of gas at $4.20, according to AAA.

On Monday, a gas station near St. Paul and Plankinton Avenue was just two cents short from breaking that record.

"Right now, gas prices in the Milwaukee/Waukesha area are $3.80 for regular unleaded. That's up about eight cents from yesterday, up about 50 cents from where we were this time last week," Jarmusz said.

Some gas stations in Milwaukee crossed the $4 mark on Monday.

Prices are climbing higher and higher across the country, forcing many Americans to feel the effects of sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine.

"Suddenly, with the loss of Russian oil, the balance has been significantly tipped in a way that we have never fully seen before," head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy, Patrick De Haan, said.

The purge at the pump is becoming more of a shock to drivers who are changing their behavior behind the wheel.

"Americans should be doing everything we can to reduce our consumption," De Haan said.

Experts said it's time to start doing simple things that maximize fuel efficiency.

"By sticking closer to the speed limit, you're going to save gas. You're also going to be safer," Jarmusz said.

Shopping around for lower prices is always a good idea, but something that should be done online.

"We would encourage you to not drive around looking for the lowest price," Jarmusz said. "You're probably not going to come out ahead. You're going to be burning gas to try and save money on gas."

Experts predict gas prices will continue to increase throughout the beginning of the week before slowing down. However, the market is known to change quickly. So, it's hard to say when the surge will hit its peak or come to an end.

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