The average price for a gallon of gas has shot up to its highest level in nearly a decade. The national average price for regular gasoline hit $4 a gallon this week, the highest price since July 2008, according to AAA.
As the economy emerges from two years of COVID-19 restrictions, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is fueling another global crisis. On Monday, gasoline in the Tallahassee area hit $4.19 a gallon, an increase of 45 cents in the past week, according to AAA.
And according to new data from the Energy Information Administration, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 500 million barrels to 246 million barrels within a seven-day period. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, oil markets are raising the price of crude oil — which will lead to a surge in gasoline prices.
Many students are finding it more than a simple hassle to adjust to the rising gasoline prices in the area.
“Gas being $3.40 at the beginning of March to $4 now is quite mind blowing,” Florida A&M student Justice Collins said. ”Not only is it affecting my monthly budgeting, but I now have to find another source of income to supplement my expensive gas bill.”
“I normally do a lot of driving. However, in the last week, I’ve noticed that I spent nearly $60 in gas going to and from work and school,” she added.
Collins also said prior to the recent increase in gas prices, $30 would normally fill her tank. Now it only fills about half of her tank. It now costs Collins approximately $55 for a full tank.
Gasoline prices are the current topic of discussion on and off campus. Many students are anxious because there is no end in sight to the rising prices, while some have already started to slowly prepare for the worst.
“Gas, tissue and water are three things that can be raised to any expense, but will forever be purchased due to high demand,” Florida State student Meldrina Jeantior said. “I’ve read how gas across the country is close to $6 a gallon. The only thing we can do at this time is prepare for what’s next.”
The average gas price this week in Leon County ranges from $4.06 a gallon for regular gas to $4.73 a gallon for diesel, according to AAA. As the price of gasoline is predicted to climb, drivers can find the latest prices in gas in nearby areas with the free AAA mobile app or by visiting AAA Gas Prices for more information.