Rising gas prices hit locals harder

In the second week of October, gas prices hit record high in California with nearly $5 per gallon. However, a few weeks later, consumers were surprised to see a sudden decrease. Junior Jesse Huang is shocked to see how much he will have to invest for a gallon of gas. As Huang is ready to pay, he cannot help but feel guilty about spending the money. However, the gas prices are not stopping him from driving to school because it is more convenient for him.

Not only have the gas prices been effecting consumers, but also the local gas companies who have to sell the gas for the required amount. The gas stations located in Palos Verdes have had a decrease in sales but found that most of their customers were students.

“The gas prices have definitely decreased our sales by a huge margin,” said Tony Melendez, manager of Arco gas station along Silver Spur and Hawthorne. “However students still come as frequently as before. In fact, they make up a good portion of our customers.”

Since the gas prices have been wavering up and down for the past few years, Peninsula staff members are used to the price fluctuation.

“Although it costs more to fill up my tank, I still need to get to all of the places that I need to get to so I haven’t made any changes,” teacher Linda Kurt said. “I already try to carpool when I can.”

Although teachers have been handling the situation of gas prices well, students are having a harder time acknowledging the amount they will have to pay for gas. However, students realize that money will have to be flying out of their pockets because driving to and from school is much more convenient and there is not much that can be done.

“Unfortunately, like many other students, I can’t really let the gas prices stop me from driving to school. It is much more convenient to drive, both for my parents and for me, because it allows me to free myself from a routine controlled by bus schedules,” Huang said. “The volatile nature of gas prices is something we have to, and have, learned to live with. There’s not much else to do except wait until the prices lower, especially when so many people rely on such an instable industry.”

Despite the high gas prices, Panthers feel that there is nothing that can be done but accept the price variation and hope for an additional decrease.