USC

California gas prices spike again

The new norm of rising California gas prices continues to create frustration among USC commuter students.

A photo of an Arco gas station

The average price of gas in California has increased for 52 of the last 57 days, rising by a whopping total of 94.3 cents during that time, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. The price increased by 8.5 cents overnight Friday.

A source from AAA told KCRA news that unseasonably hot temperatures in the west could be a factor of the gas prices as it could limit the production in oil refineries.

Another factor that could have contributed to the increase in gas prices could be due to the tragic recent flooding of Libya, which will temporarily halt oil exports from this OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) nation, a source told CBS News.

Californians are no strangers to expensive gas prices. California gas prices have been atop the nation’s average prices for decades because of its higher taxes and regulations for clean fuel, according to the LA Times.

These prices add onto the frustration of L.A. traffic among commuters, and has forced some Annenberg students to resort to other means of transportation to combat the skyrocketing prices.

“I have thought of using [a] bicycle. I was thinking of changing my route, but I haven’t started it yet,” Jocelyn Pena, a sophomore majoring in biology said. “I’ve had to allocate some funds to the gas prices that have gone up.”

Jeremy Angsono, a junior majoring in chemical engineering mentioned how some people he knew had to adjust their routine to save money. “They started carpooling more, so they don’t mind the inconvenience,” said Angsono.

Fortunately, according to ABC7, we may see the prices of gas drop by 15 to 20 cents by this December.