California gas prices reached nearly $6 per gallon this October, surpassing the national trend even as other states saw a similar rapid increase. This is the highest they have been this entire year and while they are now falling as stations make an early transition to a winter blend, gas remains expensive due to both domestic and foreign factors.

Saudi Arabia and Russia decided to cut oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day starting in May, which is about 1% of the global supply of oil. This caused a decline in the supply of oil worldwide, resulting in the price rising just as California had been having issues with its refineries.

“As somebody who can’t make the transition to hybrid or electric vehicles, it definitely hurts,” Mr. Stibolt said.

Although California is ahead of many states in its adoption of electric alternatives, gasoline-powered vehicles still hold the majority on the state’s roads and the UHS parking lots.

“It definitely has made me save more gas when I drive,” senior Daniel Loaiza said. “Sometimes I think about how much gas is going to cost me if I just go somewhere and question myself if it’s worth it.”

California’s gas prices have risen above the national average for multiple reasons, such as statewide environmental regulations and taxes. Compared to the rest of the United States, California gasoline sales follow very specific guidelines that help reduce emissions overall but also make gas prices much more expensive. In addition, more than 90% of California gas is refined in the state; therefore any disruptions to the refineries lead to an increase in gas prices.

“As someone who enjoys gas-powered vehicles, it is not fair,” senior Alexander Nacady said. “It is not fair that each round trip to school costs me $5 a day only on the commute to campus. I burn about $300 a month on gas, which is money I could have saved and invested.”

As student drivers, Nacady and Loaiza have begun to understand the importance of gas usage. With the prices increasing, student and staff drivers across campus and throughout the United States are being affected, having to drastically adjust their driving habits.