Gas Prices Taking Their Toll

The price of gas seems to have no ceiling.

As of Monday, the national average for a gallon of gas sits at $3.58. In California, the average gallon is significantly higher, with regular unleaded gas going for $4.02.

In Clayton, it's even higher. At the Shell station at Kirker Pass and Clayton roads, regular unleaded gas cost $4.09 a gallon Sunday.

The high prices haven't been seen since the summer before the 2008 financial crisis, and are having detrimental effects on local residents.

Lorie Rose lives in Clayton and helps runs , which has seven locations in the East Bay.

"We have company cars and tow trucks and we have to drive around a lot," she said. "We haven't done it yet, but eventually we are going to have to pass the cost on to customers."

Wendy Souza stopped at the Clayton Shell station on Sunday, but put in only enough gas to make it to Costco, where she planned to fill up. A single mom with a daughter in private school, Souza said every cent matters.

"I think about it a lot," she said, "and always try and find the cheapest gas."

Like so many Claytonians, Leigh Kirmsse has a commute — she works in Oakland. Gas prices are hurting her financially, but she said she doesn't regret living in Clayton.

"You do have to drive farther," Kirmsse said. "But what I like about Clayton is that's it's secluded. I wouldn't trade that for anything."

In the Clayton area, the lowest gas prices are at Arco and Costco on Monument Boulevard and Detroit Avenue in Concord, according to gasbuddy.com. Regular gas at both stations cost $3.85 a gallon.