All I Want For Christmas is Cheap Gas

Denitsa Raichkova/Staff Writer

As life is returning back to normal, FIU students are making more frequent trips to campus (and elsewhere). Whether it’s to attend in-person classes, study at the library or connect with friends, Panthers are visiting the campuses of FIU daily. Let’s forget about the supply chain disruptions, the worker shortages, the border crisis and the overall inflation for now. Gas prices have risen approximately 50% in 2021. As college students, many of us have been alarmed by this increase.

So, what happened to $2 gas?

The pandemic is partially at fault. Gas prices plummeted during the 2020 lockdowns as the world shut down. There was less demand for oil. People were isolated at home; therefore, there were fewer cars on the road. As American life returned to normal, gas prices surged as a consequence of the increased demand.

Supply production hasn’t kept up with the rise; thus, driving gas prices even higher. Crude oil prices are continuing to surge, topping $80 for the first time in almost a decade. The reasons for the ridiculous gas prices are complex. Apart from the post-pandemic surge, the global energy crisis, the cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline and the overreliance on foreign production are also contributing to the problem. To add, the current administration’s environmental policies have also limited the supply of oil and natural gas coming into the market. Attempts to stop drilling activities on federal lands and waters will surely not leave Americans satisfied with the prices at the pump.

High gas prices are having a serious effect on student and academic life. On average, a regular sedan has 10 gallons of gas. In 2019, a full gas tank would cost Florida students around $20. Today, the price averages $34. Students are choosing to skip classes or enroll in fully online programs rather than make the commute to campus. They are missing out on social interaction with peers and networking activities on campus.

International students are struggling the hardest because of the high gas prices. Panthers on student visas are legally required to take most of their classes in-person. Therefore, they are obligated to drive to campus more regularly. Moreover, student visa holders are restricted in their employment options. Most international students are only allowed on-campus jobs; thus, they are forced to take trips to campus almost daily. Notably, foreign students are also the ones paying 3x-4x the tuition fees, while their families earn non-USD incomes.

Student on-campus employment is suffering, too. FIU students may be willing to drive to campus to attend classes; however, making even more trips to fill on-campus job positions is out of the picture. As a result, FIU is experiencing a worker shortage. Many fast food restaurants and smaller retail shops on campus remain closed. Why? Because no one is willing to work. Of course, there are a variety of reasons for the shortage, such as minimum wage disputes, unemployment benefits and fear of catching COVID. However, wasting more gas to take shifts on campus given the prices at the pump is definitely one of the factors.

Interaction with professors and university staff is also suffering from the increased gas prices. Fewer instructors are present on campus or hold meetings with their students. Office hours are mainly through zoom. Communicating with professors is crucial for both academic success and for networking opportunities within the university’s system of lecturers. In addition, fewer professors are teaching in-person classes which is hindering the ability of students, who prefer in-person instruction mode, to freely choose instructors and class meeting dates.

High gas prices are affecting the entire FIU community. The solution is unclear.

The White House is working to address the problem, while also citing the need to implement even more radical environmental policies to tackle climate change. The Biden Administration has no “immediate plans” and limited options to address the problem. Cheap gas probably won’t be back for a while. Brace yourselves.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community