What Gas Prices?

With a $100 monthly budget for gas and a fuel efficient Toyota, you would think I wouldn’t have to worry about commuting to and from campus. In reality, I have worry about rationing enough money to keep making the drive to my boyfriend’s townhouse on a daily basis. As you certainly know, gas prices have risen dramatically over the past few years. The high inflation in gas prices is said to be the result of the growing demand for oil from other foreign countries. Today, China and India are trailing behind the U.S. as the world’s largest oil consumers, increasing the price of this valuable resource. Despite a plea to increase oil production and ease supply pressures, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rejected the call for relief from the West, keeping the market high for the impending vacation months. With the U.S.’s petroleum stockpiles said to be in decline, the gas prices are projected to rise to $4.00 a gallon this summer during the summer driving season. The absurd cost of fuel may influence drivers to think twice before taking to the road. I do not see the high price as an obstacle, but an inconvenience and a slap in the face to the world’s oil consumers. I believe this problem, together with America’s recessing economy is a recipe for disaster. Something needs to be done, and soon. The price of crude oil is predicted to stay high for the rest of the year due to less output from oil producers than previous projections. The OPEC claims the price increase is not due to supply shortages, therefore there is no reason to increase the supply of crude oil, leaving us consumers with no relief in sight. The $40 charge to my checking account every week is starting to take its toll. How much are the rest of you paying to fill your tank? What do you think we should do to solve this “rape at the pump”? If worst comes to worst, we may all have to go purchase a pair of comfy walking shoes.