How high will gas prices rise? What is the underlying cause?

According to AAA, “As of Wednesday morning, the average cost for a gallon of gas in the country was $4.25.” Prices will continue to rise for months ahead. Many community members are frustrated as they have to drive children to school, go to work, or simply run errands around town for a price that is beyond what one could ever imagine. How will the nation continue to afford this necessity?

Many are taking into consideration purchasing an electric car due to the astronomical rise. In 2010, there were only about “17,000 electric cars on roads around the world. By 2019, there were 7.2 million — that’s a 42,000% increase in electric vehicles in use” (EV Connect). Citizens of America will not put up with the drastic rise forever, and many have already turned to a more environmentally friendly alternative – electric cars. 

It has been declared that the main reasons for the increase in gas prices are due to the “Russian invasion of Ukraine and the rise of inflation” (USA Today). The price of crude oil determines how much gas prices will fluctuate. Due to the rise in demand, the supply of oil has decreased significantly causing the prices to rise exponentially. The “sanctions put on Russia by the U.S. and European Union severely hindered Russia’s ability to sell crude oil” (USA Today). 

The rise in gas prices has caused many to reevaluate where and when they drive. Some have turned to carpooling or taking a bus. It has been noted that “gas remains the most expensive in California, with the average cost at $5.57” (USA Today). Will Americans continue to pay the price of this necessity?