HAZLE TOWNSHIP -- Prepare your pockets because prices at the pump will be going up.
Drivers in Pennsylvania will soon be hit with the third and final phase of a gradual gas tax increase that is supposed to fund road improvements.
The commonwealth already has the highest gas tax in the country, but just after Christmas, that will go even higher--to the tune of about eight cents per gallon.
"I think the state of the roads in this state, we should have the lowest gas tax, because the roads are the worst of any I have traveled," said Alex Foster of Hegins.
The upcoming gas tax hike should be the last of a gradual gas tax increase that started in 2013 after the passing of the state law known as Act 89.
Taxes generated from Act 89 are used for repairs on state highways, roads, and bridges, but some drivers feel the gas tax they have been paying at the pump should already be enough for that.
"It's already the highest and we already have the worst roads, so they should be able to accommodate fixing the roads before they adjust anything," Foster said.
On top of the state's gas tax hike, prices at the pump could go even higher. Some estimate they could go as high as $3 a gallon again because of cuts to oil production.
"I think it stinks. I mean, how are you supposed to live with them hiking all the time? Like how are you supposed to get back and forth to work?" Michele Kobal of Westin said.
Near Hazleton, people like Kobal are frustrated by upcoming gas tax hike, and now they anticipate even more hikes to gas prices due to international agreements to cut oil production in order to control gas prices.
"This country has enough gas of its own to do that, enough oil to support ourselves," said Foster.
The state gas tax hike of eight cents per gallon will take effect January 1.
In the coming months, we will have to wait and see if American oil production offsets that pact made by oil producing countries.