Local Drivers Feel Pinch of Rising Gas Prices

Rising gas prices have continued to crest, reaching the low $4 per gallon range in and around village service stations, and residents are feeling the pinch.

On a sunny Friday morning at the Hess station right outside the village on Route 109, a steady stream of customers filled up in preparation for a warm weekend. Some, like Babylon mom Christine Capolino, were all too aware of the increased strain on household budgets.

"It's ridiculous," says Capolino.

"I'd like to take my son more places but we've been cutting back on long trips because of the cost," she addS, as her son helpfully suggested a trip to Lazerland, the indoor amusement space in Commack.

Another Hess customer, who asked not to be identified, said he was unconcerned with the prices.

"It doesn't affect me at all. I hit the lottery a long time ago so I'm on easy street," he said.

It doesn't take a lotto win, however, to remain unaffected by the gasoline price spike.

Saleem Qureshi, an attendant at Walson Auto Service Center in West Islip, said he didn't mind the high prices, even though he drove a big car.

"I live in Deer Park and I only drive six miles to work. But the customers are complaining every second," he said.

Qureshi, who is originally from Pakistan, has heard from friends in Florida of even more expensive fill-ups. The national average is slightly lower than Long Island numbers, at $3.90 per gallon, according to the AAA.

Walson's price for regular gas, $4.19 a gallon, was the standard price around town, although the Sunoco in Babylon was posting slightly higher prices.

"We get all the customers from Babylon Village," said Qureshi. But although the station was full of patrons, they weren't exactly happy about it.

"They even ask me how much it's going to be before they fill the tank," said Qureshi, who also noted that it could get much worse, with prices expected to hit $5 per gallon this summer.