Last month we were living normally paying the usual $3 to $4 per gallon for gas. Little did we know one impact would have us paying almost $5 to $8 per gallon for gas one month later.
Gas prices here in Fresno are raising every other week cent by cent. The range of gas prices in Fresno right now is between $4.15 to $5.10 per gallon.
Gas prices in the U.S. have increased by 30% since the conflict of the Iran war began in late February. So far, the highest amount per gallon of gas is at the price of $8 in Los Angeles, California.
In February, a conflict between the U.S. and Iran had started. The U.S. and Israel completed a joint attack on Iran which caused the conflict to start between the two.
The conflict caused the gas prices to drive up primarily due to a significant disruption in global oil supply by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is where roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes.
According to AAA Gas Prices, for the first time since August 2022 gas prices have surged topping $4 a gallon. California holds the most expensive gasoline market at $5.89.
This raise in gas prices has affected many individuals, including myself. As a college student having to drive 30 minutes to school each day, $5 per gallon of gas is a lot of money.
A student at Fresno City College said, “I limit myself to going places to have enough gas to make it to school and back home.” Having to limit driving places due to the raise in gas prices is really ridiculous.
College students often struggle to make money due to jobs running slow or just having a lot of bills and needing to constantly buy necessities. Most students don’t just live five or 10 minutes away from campus so having to pay over $5 per gallon of gas is a lot for students who have to drive more than 15 minutes to school.
Some effective alternatives that could help save gas is to take the FAX bus. Students at Fresno City College are able to use their student ID for a free ride to the campus.
For students who live closer to campus they can walk to school, use a scooter or bike, or carpool with friends who don’t mind driving or possibly have an electric vehicle. Another alternative is to find a gas station that doesn’t have such a high price for gas. As of right now, the cheapest gas price close to campus is an Arco located at 2171 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93705 priced at $5.27 per gallon.
