‘I’ll be losing money’: Macon rideshare driver weighs rising fuel costs

Retiree William Rapport says higher fuel costs threaten his extra income, while other Macon drivers report bigger fill-up bills and fewer trips.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Gas prices continue to rise across Georgia, with the Macon metro now among the state’s most expensive metro areas for fuel, according to AAA.

AAA says the average price for regular unleaded gas in the Macon is $4.12 per gallon. 41NBC spoke with drivers at a gas station Tuesday, where the price was $4.29 per gallon.

Georgia’s statewide average is $4.09 per gallon, up eight cents from last week and 27 cents from last month. The statewide average is also $1.18 higher than it was one year ago.

Macon’s $4.12 average ranks third among Georgia’s metro areas, behind Savannah at $4.17 and Augusta-Aiken at $4.13.

For people who drive for a living, higher gas prices can cut into their earnings.

Richard Rapport drives for Uber and Lyft. He says after spending six to eight hours on the road, there is not much left after paying for gas and the wear and tear on his vehicle.

“It’s hard to make any money, drive six or eight hours and maybe clear $75, $80 after gas and wear on your car,” Rapport said.

Rapport says he is retired and drives for ride share services to make extra money. He says filling his tank used to cost about $40, but now costs at least $10 more.

Rapport says if gas prices continue to rise, he may not be able to continue driving.

“If it goes up anymore, I won’t be able to do this,” he said. “I’ll be losing money basically.”

Everyday drivers are also feeling the impact.

Cyntoria Smith says filling her tank used to cost about $80. Now, she says it costs about $120 to fill up.

“It has really been impacting my pockets,” she said.

Que Hillman says he is limiting how much he drives because of higher fuel costs. Hillman says he uses 93-octane gasoline, which adds to the cost.

“With the prices, I run 93 instead of just regular unleaded, so it is a little bit more pricier, so I just limit my ability to move around and everything like that,” Hillman said.

AAA says crude oil prices around $100 per barrel are helping push gas prices higher.

AAA recommends drivers compare gas prices before filling up, combine errands, reduce unnecessary trips and practice fuel-saving driving habits.