On Saturday Feb. 28, the United States and the state of Israel launched joint strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran, targeting Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, and their ballistic missile program.
Following these attacks, the Islamic Republic restricted the flow of oil and fertilizer through the Strait of Hormuz, causing the prices to rise dramatically globally .
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, gas prices spiked by 21.2% in March alone, the largest monthly jump on record. The global crisis has turned the morning commute into a riddle-solving game for many students. For those used to a fast-paced vehicle, the cost of speed has become a reality check that reminds them every time they look at the dashboard. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, speeding can “lower gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.”
Junior Jackson Baker said he’s conscious of the rising gas prices.
“I used to floor it to get to class on time, but now I am constantly watching the needle move,” Baker said. “I feel like I am losing money every time I hit the gas pedal.”
Beyond just changing how they drive, students are having to restructure their entire social lives and schedules. The high cost of fuel means that every trip must be calculated, turning what used to be a simple drive into a major financial decision.
“It costs more to fill up the tank,” senior Berket Wondemagegnhu. said. “ I have to spend more on gas each week and drive less unless it’s necessary.”
As these prices continue to climb, the classic “teen freedom” of having a car is being replaced by the practical need to save money. For some, the inconvenience of public transportation is finally starting to outweigh the massive expense of keeping a tank full.
“Yes, I have thought about taking the school bus because gas prices almost doubled,” senior Oswaldo Zeggara said. “It would be better to save money, even though it might take more time.”
The stress doesn’t seem to be fading away anytime soon. According to CNBC, President Donald Trump states that Americans should anticipate paying a higher price at the gas pump “for a little while” as a result of the war. This warning confirms that the financial pressure on student drivers is part of a larger national trend with no immediate end in sight.
Beyond the current spike, the future looks even more expensive. CBS reports that gasoline prices in the U.S. have already risen by $1.16 a gallon since the start of the conflict. JP Morgan energy analysts warn that prices could top $5 a gallon as soon as later this month if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed through mid-May. For students already struggling, this potential increase makes their daily commute feel even more unsustainable.
