Video: Residents React to Gas Prices

Since the start of 2011, gas prices have rapidly been on the rise, and Farmingdale residents have been feeling the pain of the prices. As of April 28, the average price of gas on Long Island stood at $4.17 per gallon, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report.

Luckily for the Farmingdale community, many gas stations in the area are not quite that high, but they are certainly on their way there. Residents can find regular gas around $4.09 per gallon, at on the corner of Hempstead Turnpike and Merrits Road, compared to $4.20 at surrounding stations.

With the increasing costs in fuel comes many hardships for both residents and employees throughout Farmingdale.

Gary Lasky, a UPS employee, said the recent change has definitely dug into his pockets. Driving a Ford F-150 pick up truck, Lasky does not have the luxury of a fuel-friendly vehicle.

Fortunately, the four-year Farmingdale resident does all of his driving for work with a company car, but outside of UPS, he often drives far distances that make a big difference.

"I drive to Connecticut often to pick up my kids," he said. "We as a nation rely greatly on travel and over the road commerce, and I think prices will unlikely come down to the $2 range again."

Gina Ribando, a young Farmingdale resident, is also suffering from more expensive prices at the pump. Ribando bartends in nearby East Meadow at McZ's Pub, and even a short drive down the turnpike can breed a burden.

"I can't afford the high prices," Ribando said, who drives a Mazda sedan. "I have to put premium gas in my car, and it costs about $52 to fill up."

From the drastic increase this year, Ribando has been having to use her credit card more and more to fill up her gas tank to avoid falling behind with other bills. In the near future, she hopes to purchase a fuel efficient, crossover sports utility vehicle.

Kenny Lobban, a Westbury resident who has been employed with Bollinger's Restaurant of Farmingdale for the past decade, has begun utilizing public transportation instead of filling up his tank.

"I find it's more economical to take the train or public transportation," the Bollinger's day manager said. "Ten years ago, to fill my tank might have cost a total of maybe $20, now if I'm halfway full, I put $20 in and the needle barely moves."

"I buy a lot less for myself," Lobban added. "Now it's more about the commute. It's more about getting to work."

In a press conference Wednesday, Ben Bernanke, Federal Reserve Chairman, assured the country that the Fed expects gas prices will not continue to rise so rapidly, and should eventually stabilize and begin to decrease.

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