Gas prices in Colorado Springs have reached and average of $3.29, and to $3.19 in Pueblo.

Local gas retailers say a weak dollar and the "what ifs" surrounding the Mid-East make it a volatile market.

In the meantime, Colorado Congressman Scott Tipton says he believes the answer to our oil and gas woes are right here at home. He has said that "oil, natural gas, nuclear energy as well, we have all of these elements that we can develop on the Western Slope of Colorado to help move us toward true energy self-sufficiency in this country". Tipton believes there is a way to do it responsibly, and would create jobs here in the state.

Pam Gagnon, a stay-at-home mom in Woodland Park with twins, sometimes drives up to 200 miles per week. She is feeling the effects of the rising gas prices, prices being pushed higher over the violence in the Mid-East.

Craig Ochs from Acorn Petroleum in Colorado Springs says oil isn't as much a commodity as it is a security these days. His family has been selling gas in Southern Colorado for more than 50 years.

"Margins aren't very good for people like us in the retail industry because these margins have been squeezed because oil has gone up so quickly." Ochs says.

Ochs believes those rising oil prices have investors worried about the "what ifs" in the Mid-East, "You're not only seeing the issue of Libya effect it, but the potential issues. What if other countries became involved," Ochs speculates, "Kuwait, Saudi Arabia? You're seeing a lot of fear drive that price right now."

The oil industry has become a volatile market Ochs fears we may have to get used to, "I think that is going to be the new norm."

For moms like Pam Gagnon the new norm is hard to swallow, especially on a tight budget. "You spend more on gas, you're gonna spend less money somewhere else."

Ochs says the breaking point around here for gas prices may be $4/gallon, where you see drivers actually start changing their driving habits. He doesn't think gas prices will go much higher than that.

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