It has happened in the past, but once again, higher gasoline prices are hurting most Americans, especially those in lower- to middle-income brackets.

Those seniors on fixed incomes are having a tough time.

The recent surge in gas prices has led to various economic challenges.

What I do not understand is that prices at gas stations and convenience stores in Williamson are always higher than just a few miles away in Pikeville or Warfield.

Many people will drive the extra miles to these locations to save on a fill-up of gas.

The price is usually 30 cents cheaper in nearby Pikeville, only about 30 miles from the South Williamson businesses. It is sometimes 20 cents cheaper just 20 miles away in Martin County at Warfield.

It is also cheaper, just 13 miles away, in Naugatuck.

I was told in the past that it was due to delivery and transportation. This does not make sense. Towns this close together seeing that much of a discrepancy in the gas prices is ridiculous and shameful.

But it has been that way for many years, especially affecting low-income households and commuters who have to drive to work every day.

Gas prices should not vary that much per gallon just a few miles apart.

Statistics say that some report an additional $200 a month in fuel costs.

The ongoing military conflict in Iran has disrupted oil supply, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil transport. However, I have heard some politicians say that the United States does not get much of its oil from that area. I have heard it is just about 20%.

So if that is the case, why are our prices $2 a gallon higher than a few months ago?

Many say it is price gouging by oil companies to increase their profits. It seems they take advantage of any situation to raise prices. Whether it is conflicts in the Middle East, a hurricane in the Gulf of America, or some other weather-related issue, they will use any excuse to raise gasoline prices.

Not only do higher fuel prices hurt consumers at the gas pumps, but they also cause prices to rise on many other items. Grocery prices have already increased over the last few years, but it seems like gas prices are driving up prices on most everything else due to shipping costs.

The businesses are not going to cut into their profits; they will pass it on to the citizens and consumers.

Some say the economy may affect the elections, especially the General Election in November. The Republicans are taking criticism for the higher prices. I am not an expert, but it seems like the price gouging occurs no matter what political party is in office. The large conglomerates could care less who is in office. They are all about profit margins.

It seems that when there is a war, gas prices increase. Gas prices have been on the rise since the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran in late February and Tehran responded by restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz.

You can tell Americans the conflict is not causing the increase, but we are not stupid. It is obviously having an impact, like it always does.

It could be worse for us in eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia. In some states, gas prices are even higher than in this region. That still does not make us feel much better.

I guess we can grin and bear it. I have seen this joke circulate on social media: “Gas prices are getting ridiculous! I went online to check the value of my car and it asked if the tank was empty or full.”

But in reality it is neither funny nor fun for the average American, especially not for the low- to middle-income folks like a lot of us here in Appalachia.

Let us hope and pray that it will get better. But do not hold your breath.

(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)