VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Gas prices across the country are the highest they've been since 2008, according to AAA and Gas Buddy reports.
In Hampton Roads, drivers are feeling the impact on their wallets.
“Half of my check probably goes to gas prices every week," said Angel Facey, of Norfolk.
On Sunday, AAA reported the national average for gas is more than $4 per gallon.
In Virginia, the average price is $3.89 per gallon.
On 22nd Street in Virginia Beach, prices reached $4.19 per gallon at a BP gas station and $4.21 per gallon at a Shell station nearby.
As of Sunday, the Gas Buddy Price Map shows the highest cost for gas in Hampton Roads is $4.29 per gallon, which could be found at pumps in Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
Facey said she just started driving not too long ago.
“Us new drivers how, are we supposed to afford to pay for the car, insurance, whatever we need to, and the gas prices," she said.
Steven Germonperez travels from Virginia to North Carolina for work everyday.
“I’m basically going putting the gas in for a week and that’s it. Where I used to do it, fill up the tank, it will last me two weeks. Now it’s about a week," he said.
Experts at Gas Buddy said they have not reported prices like this since 2008 and the spike is connected to the crisis in Ukraine.
It's a tough price to pay, but Facey and other drivers say they will have to suffer at the pump for now.
“I’m going to pay it anyway because I have to. I still have to get around. I still have to drive my sister to work. I have to get to school. I have to drive my siblings around. So I’m going to pay what I need to," said Facey.
Patrick De Hann, Gas Buddy senior petroleum analyst, said drivers can expect gas prices to get even higher as the situation in Ukraine continues and as peak season like Spring Break approaches.
AAA shared tips to save fuel while driving, including follow the speed limit, avoid speeding up too quickly and using cruise control, if applicable.
Remember, gas price gouging is illegal.
Anyone who suspects a gas station is hiking prices can call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-552-9963.