Millions of Americans' lives, including the students at Watauga, have been affected by rising gas prices. The dramatic increase in gas prices began near the end of 2020, $2.21 per gallon on 11/30/20, before steadily rising to $3.48 per gallon 1 year later (11/29/21). The most recent data shows that gas prices are at a national all-time high reaching $4.41 per gallon (03/14/22). Students are paying closer attention to gas prices as they continue to rise. The high cost of gasoline is a cause for concern to many students, particularly those who commute a long distance to school every day.
“The intense spike in prices has seriously started to take a larger chunk out of my bank account,” said senior Ben Gailfoil. “Since I have to prioritize keeping my car full of gas, I don't have much money for other things, so I've had to be more careful about how much money I spend. I've also been keeping my tank at least above half way just in case prices start to spike drastically again or in case something like a pipeline shutdown happens again.”
Many students at Watauga drive themselves to school and have been impacted by the rise in gas prices. For students such as Ben, the daily trip to school can take over half an hour. With the increase in prices and uncertainty regarding the future of prices, it can be a good idea to follow Ben’s advice and keep your tank from dropping below halfway. It can also be helpful to keep track of gas prices around the gas stations near you and fill up wherever you can save a few cents per gallon.
“Personally, gas has really taken a toll on my day to day life,” said junior Dayna Moretz. “It takes about $100 to fill my truck up (when I first started driving it it was about $70). Since the price of gas has risen I’ve gotten a job which takes a lot of time out of my day, plus I play soccer for Watauga. I don’t get to go hangout with my friends as much as I used to. I live out in the middle of nowhere and it takes me about 25 minutes to get into town, which is a lot of gas when you have to go back and forth.”
Lots of people are more mindful of their driving habits and attempt to drive less when they’re able to. The rise in oil prices has led to gas prices reaching all time highs around the country.
The price you pay at the pump is a combination of the crude oil cost, refining cost, distribution cost, marketing cost, and taxes. However, the cost of crude oil is the biggest factor in the overall price of gasoline. If the cost of crude oil continues to rise, the price of a gallon of gas will follow.
“I try not to commute as much to places,” said senior Eric Nunez. “I try to minimize the use of my car and only use my car if I really have to. I've actually gotten membership cards at gas stations so that when I do pump gas it is a little less expensive than normal.”
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