Gas prices surge near Georgia-South Carolina border

HARDEEVILLE, S.C. (WTOC) - Motorists filling up at gas stations near the Georgia-South Carolina border said they were less surprised by gas prices approaching $3 per gallon than by how quickly the increase occurred.

As thousands of drivers across the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire filled their tanks, many noticed the sudden change at the pump ahead of spring break travel season.

“Normally, the gas prices around here are pretty reasonable, but over the last week or so they have gone up significantly,” said Tommy Heard, a Beaufort County resident.

The rapid increase has brought South Carolina prices closer to those in other states. Rick Biniak, traveling from Maryland to Florida, said prices “were a little higher than usual.”

“Up in Maryland there are probably more expensive than this, so when we get back, it’ll be worse there,” Biniak said.

According to GasBuddy, the increase represents the largest one-day spike in gas prices since 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. Experts predict prices could rise an additional 15 to 30 cents per gallon before stabilizing.

Patrick De Haan, a petroleum analyst with GasBuddy, said the market may slow down by early next week unless new developments occur.

The price surge has already begun affecting some workers’ bottom lines.

One gig economy driver said the increases have impacted his daily operations.

“We fill up and do all our Door Dashing during the day, and we usually have a little more than half a tank, but the past few days have been really bad,” the driver said.

Linda Barnhouse, traveling from Maryland to Florida, said she was bracing for even higher prices on her return trip.

“When we were driving down here, the lowest price I saw was $2.69, but I am sure that won’t be the price when we get back,” Barnhouse said.

De Haan said another concern is how the sudden spike will impact spring break and summer travel plans, which analysts will monitor closely in the coming weeks.