By Harris Eisenberg

What used to be a normal part of one’s budget has now turned into fueled anger.

Over the last few months, gas prices have hit outrageous highs. Two years ago, you could make a stop for gas and only spend $30. Now, it is not surprising to drop $80, $90 and even $100 to fill up your gas tank.

The national average gas price is $4.32 per gallon, which is an all-time record for the nation. While adults can survive their trips to the gas station thanks to their incomes, most students do not have the benefit of a consistent income, which makes it beyond frustrating for students to trek to fill their gas tanks.

“I spent $90.36 on gas yesterday,” said Samantha Novick, an HPU senior. “It is ridiculous because I used to only spend $50.”

Brenden Donohue, another HPU senior, agrees.

“Every two weeks I pay over $100 to fill up my car,” said Donohue.

Donohue has a vehicle that requires diesel fuel, which is about a dollar more than regular gas. Diesel in the High Point area is around $5 per gallon, while regular gas hovers around $4.

While typical students don’t have jobs, Donohue is lucky enough to have a job on campus. But feeding his gas tank when he needs to has eaten away a good chunk of income.

“I’d say over 20% of my income goes to filling up my car,” said Donohue.

With the surge in prices, students must now be more cautious with where and how they spend their money.

“I see myself being extra cautious with some of my weekly purchases due to the surge in gas prices,” said Wendell Epps, an HPU junior. “I’m the kind of person who enjoys treating myself out after long days and now I have to cut back on spending, which isn’t enjoyable.”

Epps is also the kind of person that won’t let the prices affect him, saying that the prices will not stop him from making longer commutes. But he does acknowledge that some unnecessary driving should come to an end.

“I will try to only drive to places that I really need to go to,” said Epps. “I’m just trying to be smart about everything without letting the prices interfere with daily life.”

High Point hasn’t taken the biggest hit on gas prices. West coast states like California see the biggest spike in gas prices, averaging $5.25 per gallon with some of its biggest cities, like Los Angeles charging upwards of $7 per gallon at some stations. Unfortunately, a nationwide problem has affected some of the younger generations, especially students.

When will the prices go down? That is a question everyone would love an answer to, but can’t get.

People are doing what they can to not become frequent visitors of the gas station, avoiding the prices to avoid the fueled frustration.

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Harris Eisenberg is a senior at High Point University majoring in sports media with a minor in sport management. For contact inquiries, please email heisenbe@highpoint.edu.