Sean Selback
News Editor
Gas prices have soared in East Stroudsburg, leaving many residents, including students, grappling with the financial strain.
Over the past month, drivers in East Stroudsburg have witnessed a major surge in gas prices, with the average cost per gallon climbing steadily each week. According to data from AAA, the current average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in the area stands at $3.43, marking a significant increase from the beginning of the year.
The surge in gas prices can be attributed to a combination of factors, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and the ongoing global energy crisis. The conflict in Eastern Europe has heightened concerns about potential disruptions to oil supplies, causing oil prices to spike on the international market. According to Forbes, the supply cuts on crude oil by Russia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have had the biggest impact on rising oil prices.
For students, the rising cost of gas has significant implications. Many students rely on their vehicles to commute to and from campus, as well as to fulfill other daily obligations such as work and errands. With each trip to the gas station now costing substantially more, students are feeling the pinch in their wallets.
“I never liked paying for gas, but now it’s just so expensive, I like it even less,” said George Kataw, a junior sports management major. “And it’s even more annoying because there’s nothing you can do. It’s not like with how expensive groceries are, where you can find deals or buy in bulk. You need gas, regardless of the price, and no matter where you go, it pretty much costs the same.”
The financial burden imposed by high gas prices is particularly pronounced for students from low-income backgrounds, or who may be struggling to pay for school out of pocket. For these students, every dollar spent on gas represents a sacrifice in other areas, such as food, housing or school expenses.
“I’m already working full time just to afford tuition and bills,” said Aleeah Richards, a freshman nursing major from East Stroudsburg. “The last thing I need is to spend even more money on gas. It’s a real struggle trying to balance everything.”
In response to the escalating cost of transportation, some students are exploring alternative options to reduce their reliance on gas-powered vehicles. Carpooling is one heavily used strategy, especially since over 50 percent of ESU students are commuters.
“I’ve started carpooling to school with a few friends to save money,” said Emmanuel McIntyre, a junior communications major at ESU. “It’s not always convenient, schedule-wise, but it’s better than all of us driving separate cars, filling separate gas tanks just to go to the same place every day.”
Despite these efforts, many students remain concerned about the long-term impact of high gas prices on their finances. With no immediate relief in sight, they are preparing themselves for continued price rises in the months ahead.
As gas prices continue to climb in East Stroudsburg and the United States as a whole, residents and students alike are left grappling with the harsh realities of an uncertain economic landscape. In the face of adversity, they are forced to adapt and persevere, hoping for relief that no one knows will arrive.
