Frustrations rise as gas prices go up

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The pain at the gas pump just keeps getting worse as the prices continuously rise. Drivers in western New York pay an average of $3.98 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas which is almost 30 cents more than the national average.

Now, Governor Andrew Cuomo has stepped in to make sure we don't pay any more than we should by setting up a gas price hotline and website with a complaint form. They are both for New Yorkers to report a gas station that is unfairly increasing prices.

Many people are unsure of how the governor's action will actually work. "I don't think it will help at all it will just confuse things even more. Everybody will be calling in on everything little thing they feel like," said Ed Stubbe.

Drive Dale Van Alstine said, "They're horrible, absolutely horrible and it makes it kind of difficult."

Drivers say the amount they pay for gas is effecting them terribly and burning a major hole in their wallets.

One catch with the hotline is that there is no one available to talk to on the weekends because it's closed.

The message weekend callers will get is, "Please call back during normal business hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m."

The other catch is callers cannot leave a message.
  
The governor says he will direct state and local officials to inspect gas station where price gouging is reported to protect consumers wallets.

Going back a few years, just four years ago in 2009, gas was $2.40 a gallon, and we thought that was high!

The hotline number is (800) 214-4372 and the website to add your complaint to is here.