It's the last thing drivers want to hear -- more money to shell out at the pump. Our Eva McKend spoke with drivers about their frustration with the high gas prices here in New York State.

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MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. -- As gas prices continue to climb, drivers like John Edwards are feeling the pinch and making the necessary adjustments just to be able to get around.

Edwards says, "The prices are ridiculous. I’m spending a hundred dollars a week in gas alone just to get back and forth from Chester to Middletown."

The Town of Chester resident has been forced to make cut backs in his own life to be able to afford gas for his SUV.

He says, "We're sacrificing some of the things we used to like to do, just to put gas in the tank, to survive. We got to go to work."

The nationwide gas average is now $3.49 per gallon. That's up three cents since Friday and 15 cents from last week. AAA says the rise in cost has no end in sight.

Middletown resident Mark Keller says, "Any expense stresses me out, but gas especially. It's something you watch."

So what's the reason behind these high gas prices?

Edward says, "I haven’t a clue. I really don’t keep up too much with current events, but I’m about to start checking into it."

Gas prices in the Northeast could be climbing to be among the highest in the country after Hess announced its plans to close their New Jersey refinery. This comes at a time when the demand for fuel is also on the rise.