Commuter aghast by rising fuel prices

Over this past year, the cost of gas has gone up exponentially. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), Chicago set a first-time record of surpassing $6 dollars a gallon in June. 

Gas prices have continued to increase due to the closing of the gas pipeline to Europe and the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, causing there to be less Russian oil in the global market. 

COVID-19 has had a major effect on everyday essentials, and gas prices have been no exception. At the start of the pandemic, gas prices dropped, but soon enough gas prices went on the rise, as there was limited production and the demand for gas increased. 

While fuel prices have recently gone down to an average of $4.76 per gallon, it is still expensive for commuter students as most have classes every day and other commitments outside of school. 

Being a school with a lot of commuter students, Elmhurst University students have struggled to feel as involved in campus life due to the increase in gas prices.

Cosette Gutierrez, a fourth-year student, explains that since gas prices have gone up, it has been difficult for her to remain active on campus, and is less willing to drive back and forth. 

“It has made me a lot less active on campus,” said Gutierrez. “I already drive a lot for work and volunteering and usually have to leave campus as soon as classes end, but with the rise in prices I’m a lot less willing to drive back to campus after those other obligations to participate in activities and events.”

Olivia Schmidt, a junior, is also frustrated by the rising gas prices as she commutes to campus. 

“I live about 35 minutes away from campus and I get frustrated sometimes when I see the gas prices rising,” said Schmidt. “While I feel annoyed at times while getting gas I think about the money I’m saving by not living on campus.” 

Even though this change has impacted commuter students a great deal, most are still content with their decision to commute to campus every day. 

“I enjoy my activities outside of school and feel as if they’d be a bit more difficult to accomplish if I were a dorming student,” said Gutierrez. 

Photo by- Ryan Windle