California Gas Prices at an All-Time High

Facing high gas prices, commuter students sort priorities

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — 

The average cost of a gallon of gas in Santa Clara has recently exceeded $6.20, making daily commutes increasingly expensive in the Bay Area. These rising costs have an impact on Santa Clara commuter students, who rely on cars to travel between home and class on a daily basis.  

Santa Clara senior and commuter student Arjun Singh notes that the escalation has affected his schedule.

“As a student who commutes to SCU, I find that I have to prepare more overall,” said Singh. “The rising cost of gasoline has made me more cautious about my time spent at other places because my primary focus right now is school.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Friday that oil refineries could start selling more polluting winter-blend gasoline ahead of schedule to ease soaring fuel prices, directly contradicting his own goals for reducing climate pollutants.

At the time of the announcement, the average cost of a gallon of gas was $6.30 in California. This is far above the national average of $3.80, according to AAA. Newsom administration officials said the difference between state prices and the national average has never been larger.

The Democratic governor also called on state lawmakers to pass a new tax on oil company profits and return the money to California taxpayers.

“They're ripping you off," he said of the oil industry in a video posted to Twitter.

Because consumption of gasoline is relatively inelastic, oil companies have little incentive to lower prices, according to Santa Clara economics professor Audrey Guo.

“How much a given shock raises prices is highly dependent on how responsive demand is to price increases,” said Professor Guo. “With a necessity like gas, consumers can't decrease their consumption as easily as a more substitutable product like beef or pork.”

Oil industry representatives said California state regulations cause higher prices than the rest of the country. The summer blend of gasoline that refineries are required by law to produce in the hotter months costs more money to make, but is designed to limit pollutants like smog. Most refineries can't switch to the winter blend until November.

Santa Clara offers resources to support commuter students dealing with this volatile gas market. Spaces on campus designated for commuters include Benson Memorial Center (basement level), Kenna Hall (1st floor), and Heafey-Bergin Hall (1st floor). The Center for Student Involvement also provides a “Guide to Living at Home During College” on their website for those that live off campus.

Students who commute to campus can access the Commuter Student Union which participates in get-togethers and social activities. According to the Santa Clara website, “the Commuter Student Union is a registered student organization (RSO) for commuter students and offers a ‘home away from home’ for those who do not live on campus.”

Students can join the commuter student email list to gain information about resources and opportunities related to their needs. 

The Associated Press contributed to this story.