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Gas Prices to Soar Again
- By Brenda Williams
- Published 05/31/2009
- Automotive
- Unrated
With the summer rapidly approaching, many are looking towards the gas pumps instead of towards their beach vacations. Just last week, gas prices were around $1.99. Then, two days ago, the prices had already risen to $2.26. It leaves many of us wondering whether or not the prices will continue to go up or whether they will remain constant before dropping again. My guess is that with the summer only a little over a month away, we will most definitely see the prices rise. The question on everyone's minds now, though, is whether the price will rise quite as high as it did last summer where we saw numbers upwards of $4 and $5 a gallon. I hope not.
Despite the impending gloom that many are forecasting regarding the ridiculous gas prices, there are some who remain hopeful along with those who have already begun (if they even stopped to begin with) to make life-altering changes to help reduce the cost of spending money on gasoline. For instance, instead of driving your car everywhere, more people are opting instead to go for a walk or dig their bicycles out of the shed. Not only is it great exercise, but it is often cost efficient as well. Last year, the economy was in a slightly different situation than it is this year. If the increase in gas prices goes above $4 a gallon again this summer, it will do more than just hurt people's wallets. We have to remember that there are significantly more people who are unemployed this time around compared to last year. That being said, it will be anyone's guess as to how the “gas crisis” affects those who are experiencing financial hardships.
What we haven't heard a lot about are the hybrid vehicles. It is almost as if the hybrid revolution didn't quite take off as some would have hoped. Also, another effect of the gas crisis is the drastic reduction in the number of people purchasing cars, especially sports utility vehicles. This, in turn, has led to the almost sure bankruptcy of big name dealers such as Chrysler and General Motors. If you do feel the need to venture outside over the next few months, think about other ways that you can conserve gasoline. For instance, consider trying “staycations”. Carpool with friends the next time you go on a trip so that you can spread out the expenses among several people versus just having one person be financially responsible. Park your car and decide to walk instead. If you have a job that is far away, consider asking your boss if anyone is interested in starting a business carpooling service for employees who live in the same area or who are coming from the same areas.
Just because the gas prices are high doesn't mean that you have to forfeit driving; it simply means that you'll have to be smarter about it. For instance, rather than driving during times when there is heavy traffic, spend a little time figuring out when the traffic flow isn't as bad and consider driving then.
Despite the impending gloom that many are forecasting regarding the ridiculous gas prices, there are some who remain hopeful along with those who have already begun (if they even stopped to begin with) to make life-altering changes to help reduce the cost of spending money on gasoline. For instance, instead of driving your car everywhere, more people are opting instead to go for a walk or dig their bicycles out of the shed. Not only is it great exercise, but it is often cost efficient as well. Last year, the economy was in a slightly different situation than it is this year. If the increase in gas prices goes above $4 a gallon again this summer, it will do more than just hurt people's wallets. We have to remember that there are significantly more people who are unemployed this time around compared to last year. That being said, it will be anyone's guess as to how the “gas crisis” affects those who are experiencing financial hardships.
What we haven't heard a lot about are the hybrid vehicles. It is almost as if the hybrid revolution didn't quite take off as some would have hoped. Also, another effect of the gas crisis is the drastic reduction in the number of people purchasing cars, especially sports utility vehicles. This, in turn, has led to the almost sure bankruptcy of big name dealers such as Chrysler and General Motors. If you do feel the need to venture outside over the next few months, think about other ways that you can conserve gasoline. For instance, consider trying “staycations”. Carpool with friends the next time you go on a trip so that you can spread out the expenses among several people versus just having one person be financially responsible. Park your car and decide to walk instead. If you have a job that is far away, consider asking your boss if anyone is interested in starting a business carpooling service for employees who live in the same area or who are coming from the same areas.
Just because the gas prices are high doesn't mean that you have to forfeit driving; it simply means that you'll have to be smarter about it. For instance, rather than driving during times when there is heavy traffic, spend a little time figuring out when the traffic flow isn't as bad and consider driving then.