PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The owner of an independently-owned BP gas station in St. Petersburg said she noticed customers filling up multiple cars in the same day because they believe prices will continue to skyrocket.

"You have to fill it up because it may get even worse," said owner Behiya Kara, 22. "Customers come fill up their car. They go back home and get a different, other car and come back fill it up." ​ 

What You Need To Know

  • Owner predicts gas will rise to $5 by end of March

  • Owner said she saw customers filling up multiple cars

  • Both BP and Shell announced they will no longer accept any oil from Russia

Kara said she watched as gas prices went up at her station, located at 9650 4th St. N., by nearly $1 in the past week. The owner said customers tell her they're going to look for alternative transportation options.

"Everybody is complaining. Everybody says they're going to get scooters. Some people say a bicycle," said Kara. "People say 'I'm going to walk to work.' Everybody is going crazy and they don't want to drive."​

Kara said her customers understand the price of gas is controlled by the global market. Station owners only make a profit on gas if they bought it cheaper in bulk than the current price the fuel's being sold for, according to Kara.

"I may buy the gas, for example, say $3.50 right now. So, it's $4.19, it can go to $5 and I'll make a lot more," she said. "But if it goes to $2-something, you're losing it."

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden announced a ban on U.S. imports of Russian oil to punish the country for the Ukraine invasion. Kara believes that move will cause gas prices to continue steadily rising for months. 

"Probably by the end of the month it's going to be $5," she said. "By June, I'm thinking it's going to be $7."

Both BP and Shell announced they will no longer accept any oil from Russia.