Just when drivers thought gas prices were high in October, thethreat of war with Iraq first surfaced, sending prices up six centsa gallon to $1.39 for regular unleaded.

Now consumers in the Brookhaven area are facing climbing prices– ranging from $1.59 to $1.63 for regular unleaded and $1.73 to$1.83 for premium gasoline at self-serve pumps.

Despite the drastic increases lately, store clerks say mostcustomers aren’t complaining too much, because they know retailersdon’t set the prices.

“I think people are continuing to buy. They’re like me. Everyoneneeds gas to get to work,” said Jerry Holmes, president of aBrookhaven convenience store corporation.

Most consumers agree that their spending trends have changedlittle since the increase, although some are trying to stay off theroads when possible.

For Brookhaven resident Michael Kelly, a father and husband, thegas price increases are hard on the pocketbook.

“My daughter has a car, and my wife and I both have vehiclesI’ve got to put gas in,” he said. “During the week, we’re inseparate cars, but on the weekends we usually try to ride in thesame car to save gas.”

Even business owners are getting hit hard as many report anincrease in the price of certain products that have to betransported via 18-wheelers to their businesses.

“It’s really affected me. I’m seeing it in all aspects, acrossthe board,” said Michael Murray, who owns a flower shop in thearea.

As Murray paid for more than $35 worth of gasoline Mondayafternoon for his sports utility vehicle, he said the priceincrease was most noticeable on Valentine’s Day with its manydeliveries.

Little talk has circulated about any possibility of gas pricesstaying steady or going down during a time of year usually markedwith lower prices.

Gas prices tend to drop in the winter months, and increase inthe summer when more people need gasoline for traveling to and fromvacation spots.