April 4, 2022
By Alexis Goula
Staff Writer
If you have been noticing a rise in gas prices, you are not the only one. Gas prices have gone up 30% from the beginning of the year due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
According to AAA, the average national price for a gallon of regular gasoline reached $4.32, which is the highest price ever, not accounting for inflation, topping a high that had stood for nearly 14 years.
The previous high was $4.11 on July 17, 2008, according to AAA. That would come to around $5.25 today when adjusted for inflation.
For those who are trying to save on gas, AAA recommends reducing your speed on the highway because it can increase your car’s fuel economy by 7-14%.
History teacher Ms. Schiraldi is among those who are concerned about rising gas prices.
“I try not to use my car as often as I usually do,” Schiraldi said. “Instead of making three trips to the grocery store, I try to take one to try to conserve in any way, shape or form that I can.”
Schiraldi is not alone in making a lifestyle change.
“People are not going to travel, especially if they’re driving,” Schiraldi said.
In an article published by Green Car Reports on March 21, Inrix, which provides data on traffic and weather-related road conditions, reported that nationwide weekday vehicle trips fell 2% within a week. The greatest differences were noted in Kansas and Missouri, which saw driving decrease by approximately 14% and 11%, respectively.
As of March 28, California’s gas prices averaged $5.92 per gallon. New Jersey’s average gas price held steady averaging $4.21, which is $1.28 more than one year ago.
The fuel-saving app GasBuddy estimates that prices in May will probably reach an average of $4.25 and continue to stay over $4 until November.
Junior Justin Mayewski said rising gas prices come as a result of the war in Ukraine.
“The U.S. put sanctions on Russia following their invasion of Ukraine,” Mayewski said.
On March 8, the United States announced its ongoing ban on all Russian oil imports.
“Russia cut its production of gas, and that is about 10% of the global supply,” Mayewski said.
Russia is one of the top three oil producers in the world, behind Saudi Arabia and the United States. Prior to the sanctions, the United States relied on Russia for about 3% of its oil, which is about 600,000 barrels per day.
“Instead of making three trips to the grocery store, I try to take one to try to conserve in any way, shape or form that I can.”
Business and technology teacher Mrs. Jankowski, who teaches accounting and personal finance, said that since gas prices are up, the cost of goods will rise as well.
“All consumer goods are going to go up just because of the supply chain,” Jankowski said. “The goods have to travel via plane or truck to get to their destinations.”
The major increase in prices led to predictions that inflation would rise 10% in March.
The Consumer Price Index rose by 7.9% through February, the fastest pace of annual inflation in 40 years. The average check for restaurant orders, takeout and home delivery of meals rose 7% in 2021 compared to 2020, according to data provider NPD Group. Food prices rose 1%, which is the fastest monthly gain since April 2020.
“With gas prices going up, the truck drivers have to increase their prices and air travel to move these goods will be more expensive,” Jankowski said.
On March 31, President Joe Biden announced an unprecedented release of oil from the U.S. reserves. Biden is also planning to punish oil companies for not increasing production from unused leases on federal land. The release would amount to 180 million barrels of oil. Drivers across the country are keeping their fingers crossed that this will stabilize prices at the pump.
