Gas prices on the rise

Due to global unrest oil prices have been rising at an alarming rate. The average cost for a barrel of oil is $100. The whole nation has been hit with high gas prices and fears that this will send the economy into another nosedive are growing.

Gas prices in Virginia are averaging at $3.505 according to gasbuddy.com. Mid-size cars’ gas tanks usually hold about 17 gallons of gas this means it would cost $59.585 to fill up.

“The ridiculously high gas prices are affecting me because I use a whole tank of gas every two weeks and with these prices it is getting really expensive for me to fill up my tank,” senior Surabhi Swarup said.

Some students have found alternative ways of getting around to save their money.

“I carpool to soccer practice twice a week with two other girls on my team. We switch off who has to drive each week,” senior Aashna Jain said. “Carpooling is great because you can avoid filling up as often and it helps the environment.”

Students are not the only ones with pain at the pump. Faculty members are also feeling the anxiety over high gas prices.

“I have been carpooling as many days as I can for a few years now,” English teacher Michael Murphy said. “Unfortunately, nothing has changed in my routine lately so it is just painful every month to fill up.”

The gas prices have not reached the exorbitant cost that they did in the summer of 2008. The average gas price for the nation then was $4.11.  Currently the national average is $3.537. This is still too high for many students and faculty members.

“At these prices, it is cheaper to hire people to push my car than to actually drive it,” junior Karl Vitale said.

Those who were once upset at not having a car are now relieved that they do not have to deal with gas prices and the concerns that come with them.

“At the beginning of the year I was mad I didn’t have my own car and had to share with my parents,” senior Erin Horil said. “Now, I don’t mind though because gas is stupidly expensive but I don’t have to pay for it.” ­

gas Issue 7, News, Print