JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- At least nine production platforms and one oil rig have been evacuated in the gulf as Tropical Storm Debby heads toward shore. Now, many fear this may raise prices at the pump.
The past few weeks the pinch at the pump hasn't been so painful. "It's been a lot better for my budget," said John Kefer.
"It was a lot worse when it was at $3.40 and $3.45. So at $3.25, I can live with it," said Jason Vu.
Gas prices fell 15-cents the past two weeks alone, but a massive storm churning in the gulf could change that. "They always raise the prices during a storm. There is no if about it. It's going to happen," said Kefer.
Nine production platforms and one drilling rig have already been evacuted because of Tropical Storm Debby. "Well I'm not happy. I am on a fixed income. Social Security every month," said Arlene.
"I guess we are going to have to start budgeting again," said Vu.
These suspensions only make up about eight percent of the Gulf of Mexico's oil and gas production. Forecasters say it shouldn't effect gas prices unless Debbie gets stronger and shuts more refineries down.
"They are going to go up. They always say that as a prelude to make them go up," said Kefer.
"There is not much more I can do. I guess I have to grin and bare it," said Arlene. Right now drivers are paying around 17-cents less for a gallon of gas than they did a year ago.
