Wallets Pinched at the Pump

    While the fact that Russia only provides 8% of gas for the United States seems miniscule, it has impacted the nation In some states gas prices nearly doubled once Biden cut gas ties to Russia, and no one is happy. Oregon in particular, as this state has the fifth highest gas prices in the entire U.S., with prices upward of $4.75. 

    “With higher gas prices, less money will be spent on more luxurious goods,” said Marshfield High School history teacher Chad Scriven. “I have a thirty gallon tank … last time It cost me $165 to fill up.”

    More money in the tank also means less money for frivolous expenditures. Local businesses are feeling the crunch that high gas prices are causing.

     “People are going broke so they don’t have enough money to get Dutch Bros,” said Emma Shafer, a MHS driver in charge of paying for her own gas. 

    This is the exact opposite of what was happening just a year ago when the country gas average was $2.94 per gallon. Extra pocket money was common, so things like lunch out or coffee were easy to pay for.

    “Instead of spending $20 on gas I spend $60,” Shafer said. 

    And the price doesn’t just affect automobiles. A plane flight, for instance, from Eugene to Denver is $312 for a round trip when just a year ago it was only $87. 

    With summer break on the way, options of travel will be limited, and many will have to stay within the city limits.  Road trips, flying, boating, and cruises will be off the table as prices of tickets are skyrocketing to compensate for the higher gas prices. 

    Those that do travel will need to cut corners, such as packing picnic lunches or paying less for lodging. Instead of camping throughout the state of Oregon, it may be more realistic this summer to camp in local parks and forests.