(La Porte County, IN) - Gas is now over $4 a gallon at many filling stations throughout the area.

 

Some places like the BP station at Lincolnway and Tyler Street in La Porte were still charging $3.99 early this afternoon. However, several other gasoline suppliers like Family Express were already at $4.39 a gallon this morning.

 

Lisa Dorbeck, manager of the BP station, said she expects the price of gas at her station to hit $4.39 a gallon later today, as BP's competitors are already running those prices. Many of Dorbeck's customers are talking about the rising costs. Especially worried are people on fixed incomes.

 

Bob Rudd of Michigan City said some of the stations were also charging $4.39 a gallon. Rudd said avoiding long trips and not eating out are among the ways he will have to tighten his belt to make up for the extra money he spends on gasoline.

 

Experts say there's a chance of paying $5 or more for gasoline at some point.