POLK COUNTY, Fla. – As gas prices continue to comfortably climb an expensive mountain, citizens are left with uncertainty and annoyance.
With prices fluctuating day to day, from $2.19, then $2.45, and even jumping to $2.69. It will only become more expensive, according to the American Automobile Association.
People will have to get comfortable with these high numbers whether they would like to or not. Unfortunately, citizens don’t have the power to pick up the pace of crude oil production in the Middle East. Neither do they have the ability to halt the storms that barrage against one of the United States’ major sources of oil, Texas.
The AAA has stated that the national average gas price has increased to $2.74 as of March 4, with digits reaching $2.99 just outside of Atlanta, GA. As domestic gas stocks plummet and demand increases, citizens will only grow more annoyed by the numbers they see on their local gas stations across the country.
Julie Nash, 22, lives on the outskirts of Tampa and commutes to work on a daily basis. Between one part-time job during the week and one on the weekend, Nash burns through a decent amount of gas. Due to the recent price spikes, she has spent 15 to 20 dollars more on gas each month than she was prior to the incline that started in February.
“Now I’m more conscious how I use my gas,” Nash stated, “I’m going to stretch out my tank as long as I can to avoid filling up as frequently as I was before.”
In the midst of rising prices, she has found a safe haven in Sam’s Club, as their station prices are usually lower than others for those who have a store membership. However, despite the rise, Nash hasn’t adjusted her budget and is simply rolling with the punches.
“Right now I’m not that stressed about it, but if it goes up to four dollars, that would be very expensive,” Nash said.
Even though prices are not projected by the AAA to decrease anytime soon, some people like Nash seem to be going on about their days, realizing there isn’t much they can do about the situation.
Others may disagree and desire more concrete action. Either way, the public appears to have two choices: worry about the situation, or keep placing one foot in front of the other until the gas prices come back down from the mountain.
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