For our New Bern neighbors and Eastern NC residents, a trip to Jacksonville, Greenville, or down to the Crystal Coast just got more expensive. Gas prices across North Carolina have surpassed the $4 mark—and the impact is reaching far beyond the pump.
Whether you’re commuting to MCAS Cherry Point, driving for rideshare to make ends meet, or simply filling up before a weekend getaway, the reality is the same: your wallet is feeling the pinch. And according to new reports, you’re not alone in struggling with these costs.
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The Numbers: What’s Happening at the Pump
According to AAA data from mid-May 2026, North Carolina is averaging around $4.17 per gallon for regular unleaded gas. But here’s what makes it worse: the national average has climbed above $4.50—a staggering increase of about $1.50 since global oil supply disruptions tied to international conflicts began impacting markets.
Some states are experiencing even steeper prices. California, for example, is exceeding $6 per gallon. For North Carolina, these are the highest prices we’ve seen since 2022.
For New Bern residents and small business owners operating on tight margins, this surge in fuel costs is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a financial crisis.
The Real Impact: Local Rideshare Drivers and Working Families
Ask any Uber or Lyft driver in our region, and they’ll tell you the same story. Rideshare drivers—many of whom depend on this work as their primary income—are facing an impossible equation: the cost to fuel their vehicles is rising faster than the fares they’re earning.
Joel Bender, an Uber driver from Buncombe County, exemplifies this struggle. A rideshare professional for nearly a decade, Bender has been forced to make dramatic changes to how he operates. He’s now accepting only about 10% of ride requests and canceling roughly 20% of trips—a sign of just how unsustainable the economics have become.
“Right now, I’m questioning whether I’m getting back how much I spends to pump gas into my tank,” Bender explained.
But Bender’s struggle isn’t unique. Recognizing this, he created a Facebook community with nearly 700 members—a support network where rideshare drivers can share strategies for dealing with rising costs and support one another through difficult times.
A Crisis for People Living Paycheck to Paycheck
For many drivers in this community and across Eastern NC, rideshare work isn’t a side hustle—it’s survival. These are people using rideshare income to put food on the table and meet monthly obligations. When fuel costs spike this dramatically, it directly threatens their ability to support themselves and their families.
Bender has heard from numerous drivers, many with years of experience, who are now choosing to leave the business entirely. Some are leaving because they can no longer afford to operate. Others are exhausted by the financial uncertainty. The result? Fewer drivers available, less reliable service for passengers, and working families losing income they desperately need.
“There are a number of drivers who do this to put food on the table,” Bender said. “And more drivers—even ones who’ve been doing this for years—are now choosing to steer clear from the business altogether.”
For New Bern residents and military families stationed at Cherry Point operating on tight budgets, the ripple effects are real: fewer rideshare options, higher fares when service is available, and added pressure on families already stretching their dollars.
Corporate Response Falls Short
Uber announced an expansion of its fuel discount program for drivers and couriers through May 26, 2026. While this measure is a step in the right direction, it’s not nearly enough to offset the losses drivers are experiencing.
According to Bender and other drivers in his support network, these corporate concessions don’t match the scale of the problem. Drivers are still losing money on every shift, and temporary discounts don’t address the fundamental issue: fuel costs have fundamentally shifted the economics of rideshare driving.
What This Means for New Bern and Eastern North Carolina
High gas prices don’t just affect rideshare drivers. They impact:
Small business owners who depend on reliable transportation to serve customers and make deliveries
Military families at Cherry Point traveling to appointments, shopping, and visiting loved ones
Service workers commuting to jobs across the region
Local businesses that rely on delivery networks and customer traffic
When fuel costs spike, everything becomes more expensive—from the price of goods delivered to your favorite New Bern restaurant to the rideshare fare to get you there.
Looking Ahead
Economists predict these elevated gas prices will likely continue through the summer travel season. For those of us in Eastern North Carolina, that means we need to think strategically about how we navigate the months ahead.
Whether you’re planning a summer trip to the Crystal Coast, commuting to work, or simply trying to manage your monthly budget, higher fuel costs will be part of the equation. The question isn’t whether prices will come down soon—it’s how we support one another through this period of financial pressure.
Support New Bern Businesses During These Challenging Times
Now, more than ever, our local New Bern and Eastern NC community needs to stick together. Small business owners, service workers, and families are all feeling the impact of rising fuel costs.
Here’s how you can help:
Shop local. Visit New Bern restaurants, retailers, and service providers instead of driving to distant shopping centers. Every purchase supports local families and keeps money in our community.
Support delivery services from local businesses. Rather than making multiple trips, consolidate shopping and use local delivery options when available.
Choose locally-based rideshare and service providers when you need transportation or services. These are your neighbors.
Share resources. Coordinate carpools for commutes, shopping trips, and events. Community cooperation saves everyone money.
Visit SupportNewBern.com to discover local New Bern businesses, read community stories, and connect with neighbors who are navigating these challenges together. Our community directory makes it easy to find everything you need without traveling far from home.
We’re all in this together. Let’s support one another.
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Original reporting source: WRAL.com North Carolina News | Read the original article
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