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news
Gas rates break
bank
By Christine
Shin
On-line Forty-Niner
Just when it seemed
like gasoline prices were leveling off, the signs on the corners
are stating otherwise.
On Pacific Coast
Highway in Long Beach, prices are as high as $1.83 for premium
octane, compared with $1.69 on Palo Verde Avenue. Regardless
of the difference of price from location, gasoline is not
getting any cheaper.
With these skyrocketing
prices, many students are struggling with the costs of commuting,
adding onto already steep college expenses.
Susan Miramontez,
a junior majoring in psychology, commutes everyday from Montebello
to Long Beach, then back again.
"Between two
jobs and school, it is really hard for working students to
be paying such high prices," Miramontez said. "It
seems like it's getting worse before it gets better."
With new state
regulations on the reduction of emissions through new additives
and the deregulation of electricity, prices in California
are a lot higher than anywhere else in the country.
The Department
of Energy's gasoline and fuel update states the average retail
regular price on the West Coast is $1.586, compared to $1.445
on the East Coast.
High crude oil
prices could be due to a shortage of oil supplies, taxation
and the balance of supply and demand, according to the Organization
of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Other factors influencing
the price of crude oil include accidents, bad weather, labor
disputes and other disruptions such as war or natural disasters.
"It's tough
because I find myself having to choose between gas or lunch,"
senior Jason White said. "I end up settling on
$1.07 for a Whopper and a cup of water. Then the $4.93 in
change goes to gas."
The price of oil
is reflected on everything we do. The constant fluctuation
of prices can be attributed to the balance that the oil producers
must carefully set between a price too high or too low, according
to OPEC. If oil prices are too high, then the costs of goods
and services become more expensive and economies experience
inflation. If oil prices are too low, consumers would waste
this non-renewable resource, investors would not be attracted
to the industry and oil producers would suffer, leading back
to inflation.
But how to make
buying gas a less painful process also comes with a price.
"Gas cards make it easier for me," Miramontez said.
"I don't mind paying the interest because it's something
that I absolutely need and this is the only way I see it possible."
Priceline.com was
offering to name your own gasoline price, within reason, up
to 50 gallons a month. Unfortunately, this option is no longer
available because profits were low.
Others have resorted
to "gas and dash," which is basically driving off
without paying. This may not be the best option because it
comes right back to us, the consumers, and it is our ultimate
loss.
Gas stations with
direct competition across the street from each other tend
to have lower prices. Also, sticking with the stations that
are not in wealthy areas might save some spare change for
that Whopper.
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