JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Gas prices have risen more than 35% since the war with Iran began at the end of February, forcing some residents to change their spending habits.
As of Tuesday, the average price in North Carolina is over $3.90 per gallon.
Tammy Stoudt, an Onslow County resident, said there is not much people can do about the increase.
“We’re not going to walk. We’ve got to drive from point A to point B, but I know it’s a lot higher in other states, so I guess we’re blessed in that area,” Stoudt said.
Stoudt said she and her husband try to find deals where they can.
“We try to catch sales when we can because everything has gone up, and then we go store to store. Like if one store’s got something cheaper on sale, and this one doesn’t. Since we’re retired, I’m able to do that, but yeah, we try to cut corners when we can,” Stoudt said.
Frank Mittag, a Jacksonville resident, said prices at the commissary on Monday forced him to shop elsewhere.
“It hasn’t really impacted me so much other than yesterday at the commissary, it was kind of surprising, it had me coming to Food Lion today. I thought the price of everything other than meat was high,” Mittag said.
Shane Deacy, an Onslow County resident, said inflation has pushed some people to find cheaper places to live.
“Whether it’s getting a second job or just trying to find a cheaper place. My barber, he moved out here from Miami, couldn’t afford rent there, and now he’s living in the barbershop trying to make a living,” Deacy said.
Copyright 2026 WITN. All rights reserved.