Natalie Richmiller
Local gas prices rise above four dollars a gallon, almost doubling the prices that citizens are used to.
Gas prices are the highest they have been in a long time, and Americans are looking for someone to blame. Even an extra dollar per gallon is leaving some people in financial trouble at the gas pump.
The recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had global consequences.. Among other things, one of the results is inflated gas prices. Not only is it affecting the United States, but the rest of the world is experiencing skyrocketing prices when trying to fill up the tank.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict is not the only reason gas prices are on the rise. The effects on the supply chain from COVID-19 have been catching up for months and are not doing the gas prices any favors. In the midst of the pandemic, gas prices were at an all-time low due to the lack of demand. A decrease in demand meant the production was slowed, but gas companies have been lagging now that Americans are back on the road.
Citizens need someone to blame, and Joe Biden is taking most of the heat. However, it is difficult to put blame on one leader when in reality gas prices are globally high. As of late March, Germany’s gas prices have hit $5.57, and France is at $5.54.
Not only is everyone struggling, but the government has very little say in gas prices. The media often portrays that there is a lot of presidential control when it comes to gas prices, when in reality, they really don’t. With demand high and supply low, oil companies have no choice but to increase their prices.
Senior Ethan Kilcoin is responsible for his own car and gas. He commented on the issue, saying, “I’ve been trying to avoid getting gas and unreasonable driving because of the high prices. I understand why prices are on the rise, and although I don’t want to spend the extra money, getting gas is a necessity.”
The unavoidable cost is leaving Americans with the question of when things will return to normal. The unfortunate truth the world is currently facing is that it will likely get worse before it gets better.
Oil prices are rising for producers, meaning it will continuously reflect on consumers. With lockdowns lifting and the summer approaching, demand is going to keep rising. In order for supply to keep up, prices are not coming down anytime soon.
Senior Alix Dalmasso feels these prices are greatly affecting her. “I have to drive to school and work in Iowa every day from Illinois,” she stated. “ I usually refuel two or three times a week, and even an extra dollar a gallon has been hard to keep up with.”
Dalmasso has a similar perspective as Kilcoin – and most of the world. She continued, “I don’t want to spend the extra money, but it’s more of a nuisance than anything. Seeing that this issue is global puts into perspective what we’re dealing with, and it’s manageable.”
There are numerous causes for high gas prices, but no one individual is to blame. Demand will continue to rise, and the effects of conflict overseas cannot be evaded. The financial pain at the pump has proven that it will last longer than citizens expect.