Along with tuition and other expenses associated with college life, the rising price of gasoline is becoming a problem for most students' tight budgets. Conflicts in the Middle East and a strike in Venezuela are both factors that play a role in recently elevated gas prices.
Winston Chang, an economics professor at UB who specializes in international trade and international finance, said political tension and the resulting fear is a major underlining factor for the increase in gas prices.
"There is a fear for a lack of oil," Chang said. "The possibility of war creates this fear."
Chang said that Saddam Hussein could go so far as to set oil wells on fire, a strategy that could cause even higher gasoline prices in the United States.
According to www.gaspricewatch.com, a Web site that tracks gas prices in the United States and Canada, the highest price for gas in the United States is currently $2.37 per gallon in Novato, Calif. The lowest price is in Commerce, Ga., at $1.38 per gallon, making the average cost for gas in the country $1.71 per gallon.
Richard Acosta, a sophomore accounting major, said he understands the necessity for elevated prices but is negatively affected by it.
"It is necessary for gas prices to go up because of what's going on in Venezuela and Iraq," he said. "The supply is decreasing so the price has to go up. It's a necessary change, but I'm not going to be able to drive if they keep going up."
The rising prices will affect students' lives in more ways than just the wallet when they pull into the gas station.
"Increasing gas prices basically increase the cost of living," said Ryan Hicks, a sophomore marketing major. "Since I paid for my car and for gas, that means that I have to put more money into my car, which takes away from other things I want to do, like go out, pay dues for my fraternity and other costs of living."
Others are not overly concerned with the increase.
"My parents pay for my gas," said Victoria Florsheim, a sophomore double majoring in communication and art. "It doesn't really bother me, but it is bad."
Josh Kohen, a senior double majoring in media studies and English, is not pleased with the prices of gas but said he does not allow it to have any effect on his lifestyle.
"I don't try to drive less. I don't look for the lowest price either. I just go to the Noco that's right near campus," he said.
Though a few dollars may not seem like a fortune, students like Cara Detty, a junior business major, actively try to find ways to save themselves money.
"I look for the cheapest prices," Detty said. "Or I drive less, take the bus or car pool."
Kerenza Simon, a freshman psychology major, is more concerned with saving time and effort than money.
"The one (gas station) near my house is the one I usually go to. It's the closest one to me," Simon said.
Customers are not the only ones suffering from the inflation of gas prices. Owners of gas stations have also reported a profit loss because they must purchase the gas from the oil companies, which are charging higher prices. Gas stations have also been experiencing a decrease in the number of customers.
Roy Persaud, manager of the Mobil gas station on the corner of Sheridan Drive and Colvin Boulevard, said he has lost between five and 10 percent of his business to high gas prices.
Persaud said that about one year ago gas only cost about $26 per gas bar. Now, the price has risen, making each gas bar cost a little more than $36.
"Mobil and Citgo get their gas from Venezuela," Persaud said. "For the past two to three months, there has been a strike in Venezuela and gas prices are up. Somebody's getting rich, but it isn't me."
Yvette Marin, a manager at a Wilson Farms in North Tonawanda, said their gas is from Citgo, which comes from Venezuela, forcing Wilson Farms to raise gas prices.
"It's not our choice," Marin said.
The steady increases have left gas patrons wondering when prices will fall.
"When the war is over, and the oil is not destroyed, gas prices may lower," Chang said.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
