North Carolina's gas tax increased Friday from 32.5 cents to 35 cents, making it the third-highest in the nation.

"I understand the economy, but I think there needs to be a cap on gas prices,” driver Mia Irizarry said.

Angela Green, who recently went back to work after being laid off, was similarly concerned.

“Why (does it) always come to us? Why does it always affect the consumer?" she said.

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The state gas tax is based on a formula: the higher the wholesale price for gas, the higher the tax. Transportation leaders said the formula is in place because higher gas prices generally mean a higher cost of materials to make road repairs.

The Department of Transportation said the revenue will be used for road repair and maintenance.

The gas tax is adjusted every six months. Based on the formula, the tax could decrease by January if the price of fuel drops.

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