The U.S. Department of Energy warns gas prices may go up to 50 percent higher than last year. I have an idea of how to budget. But, I don't know how I'm going to work it with this kind of gas bill. That's why thousands like her are seeking help. We have around 8,000 people so far that have come in for assistance and winter hasn't begun.
Some analysts say it's our own fault.
People are using a lot of it, and we haven't been able to keep up on the production side with the demand side. So there's a high demand and production is right up against the ceiling, and that has driven prices north. And it couldn't come at a worse time. Americans are still reeling from a summer of spiking gasoline prices, electricity is now at a premium in some states, and this winter is shaping up to be anything but mild. In fact, temperatures are expected to stay particularly cold in the coming months.