With our world becoming so much smaller in terms of modes of transportation, many Americans would take advantage of the opportunity to see the world and sights discussed throughout their lives; gas stations are closer to homes, and plane tickets are just a click away.  However, since 2008, the nation has seen a great increase in the amount of money per gallon of gas, and many find themselves counting miles, rather than enjoying them.

     According the AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report, the US national average for a gallon of gasoline is $3.77, and continually increasing.  March 12, Massachusetts average price rose to $3.785.  As long as this trend continues, the prices may surpass the national record high of $4.11, set in July 2008. 

    The price of gas continues to climb, while the American economy has just begun to recover from the recession.  In a recent report from the New York Times, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan described the increase by numbers, and said, “The rise in price is so unbelievable that we may have to revise upward our previous gasoline forecast that had called for a national average of between $3.75 to $4.15 by mid-May, as the national average already stands at nearly $3.72/gallon.”

    The US’ relation with Middle East oil-producing countries has put a strain on our oil consumption.  Oil accounts for 55% of the cost in gas consumption, and in February 2012, Iran, fearing military action from the US and Israel, raised oil prices.  Furthermore, a fear of unrest in Egypt and Libya raised the cost as well.

    The increase in price affects not only the nation as a whole, but individuals who commute to work.  Scituate teachers deal with the effects of costs as well.

    “Gas prices are taking a huge toll on everyone’s income. We’re more aware of it than we’ve ever been, so much so that I’m looking at every gas station as I drive down the road to compare the price,” said science teacher Ms. Last.

    Juniors and seniors with licenses must also be wary of the price increases.  Students must learn to budget as cost grows by the week, especially when friends and family live so far away from a town many consider isolated.

    “It’s really hard to get from place to place with the prices increasing so frequently,” said senior driver Brenna Galvin.  Most students do not have a steady income, and accompanied by the unemployment rate, may be the reason gasoline demand is at its lowest since the 1990s.

     Unfortunately, though the US economy has begun to increase, economists predict the price in gas will continue to soar.  In other countries with growing businesses, energy demand, and economy, traders continue bidding prices, allowing oil-producing countries to maintain the high costs.

  The high price of traveling may bring difficulty to those visiting loved ones and commuting to jobs, yet still some may find the merit in walking and biking.  Not only are these alternatives great options for exercise keeping greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere, but keep more money in the average America’s pockets, rather than those of oil companies.