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Gas prices in Virginia increase

Posted at 7:36 PM, Jan 01, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-01 21:48:17-05

RICHMOND, Va. -- If you cruise around town long enough there's no way that you can miss them. Gas prices are below the two dollar mark and drivers are happy about it.

According to gas prices.com, gas is $1.77 at the Sam's Club on Laburnum Avenue. That's a welcome sight for many drivers especially after the holidays.

Allen Sharpe says it's been great.

"It makes me wish I still had my truck instead of downsizing," Sharpe said.

Other drivers strategize to stretch their dollars at the pump.

"I came to this Kroger because it is the closest station to me, plus buying my groceries here I had $.60 off a gallon of gas. That's why I come here to get it even a little bit cheaper" one driver explained.

But these drivers know starting on New Year's Day a five cent gas tax increase will hit their wallets. It's an increase Virginia drivers have not seen since 1986. Since Congress failed to pass an Internet sales tax bill, this was Virginia's back up plan to get money to fix the roads.

"Look at the prices from six months ago. I'm not going to complain about the five cent increase. I think we need it, the roads are terrible" one driver said.

Virginia lawmakers have said that they hope this increased gas tax won't be too much of a burden on drivers. They say the money raised from the hike will fund some some much needed transportation projects.

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