As gas prices skyrocket across the country, many have grown concerned about the price they are paying for gasoline. Stations across the country have raised their prices to abnormally high costs, which is causing concern for new drivers trying to pay the price. Students like sophomore Will Gohman have expressed concern for those who can’t keep up with increased prices.

“It’s especially bad for people who don’t have enough money for gas,” Gohman said. “If you need to get to work and you’re working a minimum wage job, and you’re spending a full day’s money on gas, it’s gonna be a big problem.”

The average gas price in Minnesota is around $3.90, compared to a year ago when it was merely $2.70. Other states such as California, Hawaii, and Nevada have prices as high as $5.  Gohman said due to the spike in gas prices, he believes driving has started to become a commodity.

“Driving around is less something that I can just go out and do as much,” Gohman said. “Now it’s more of a luxury to go out and drive because it’s costing so much, like it can be $60 to fill up the tank, which is an insane amount of money.”

Teenagers working low-paying jobs might not have the money to pay for gas. Some students might have to watch what they’re spending money on to keep up with the prices. Sophomore Noam Halpern mentions the adjustment he made and how he’s more aware of what he’s buying.

“I have to be conscious of how much I’m spending so I can pay my share of gas, it was definitely an adjustment I had to make,” Halpern said.

Some students only have to pay a portion of the price, sharing the cost with their parents. For Halpern, although he splits the cost of gas with his parents, he makes sure to drive deliberately and with purpose.

“I’m fortunate enough to split the gas prices with my parents, but I’m still very conscious of where I drive and how much because of how expensive it is,” Halpern said.

With the U.S. having a mostly car-based infrastructure, it makes the situation even worse. The public transport in Minnesota suburbs aren’t up-to-par with other states and countries, meaning a car is a necessity for commuting. Halpern mentions how this can affect new drivers.

“There’s lots of students who don’t have the time or money to save for gas when the prices are this high,” Halpern said.