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Higher Gas Prices
Your Voice: Perspectives: Higher Gas PricesMay, 2007
Gas prices soar to record high in Minnesota and Minnesota Public Radio's Public Insight Journalism wants to know exactly how that affects you.
Some gas pumps in Minnesota are selling regular gas for as much as $3.29-a-gallon. This impacts everything from our commute to our business to our vacation plans. Will you be making any changes because of gas prices?
Read personal stories below and share your own perspective.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
Memorial Weekend used to be spent in our cabin, 4 hours away, and this year we are staying home. Our boat will get less use this year. And, when my husband visits his family in New York in two weeks, he will be using the trains to traverse the state from Long Island to Saratoga instead of renting a car.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
We see our adult children less as it is too expensive for them (and us) to drive to each others towns' daily/weekly.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
Transportation costs will cut into our entire budget as they continue to rise. Food and entertainment spending will get cut back. The food budget is already stretched because of rising food prices. We are going to have a canning garden again this year for the first time in 10 years. If this is the model for the average family, businesses will also be hurt, particularly restaurants and grocers who already struggling with the higher cost of doing business.
The travel industry which was just starting to rebound will also get hit as their business costs rise again, they raise prices and more customers get dropped due to the lack of affordability.
Robbin Metz
East Bethel, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
The cost of transporting our lives from one reason to another, food, raw materials, finished products, road repairs will have to become more expensive thereby putting a larger strain on all budgets - from government to the fixed income family. Also, on a side note one of the causes for the great depression was the gas and oil companies and their ways of doing business. Profit first, people second.
Harley Johnson
International Falls, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
Our driving hasn't changed much except that we are more aware of consolidating errand runs. We made a serious decision a few years ago to attempt to do our part and went from having 2 cars to one that is more fuel efficient. We attempt to car pool whenever possible while trying to make others aware of conservation.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
The looming threat of an inflationary spiral that can have devastating effects on a fragile economy already struggling with huge deficits and a growing trade imbalance.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
Lack of production capacity continues to allow oil companies to manipulate prices ensuring outlandish profits at the expense of most working families. Increased taxes on gas would further curtail our usage and increase the cost but would allow the public to address the fuel shortage better via increased alternatives to driving. But continuing to grant oil leases to corporations without consequence only further aggravates the situation - a tax on excess profits to develop alternatives might be in order. (Our natural resources should benefit everyone not just big oil)
Richard Kleinbaum
St. Paul, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I think it disproportionately affects lower and fixed income citizens. Many people barely make ends meet, due to various commitments, so the higher gas prices make them eliminate potentially necessary expenses to enable them to commute to work.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
I wholly support alternative fuel research and use, so am fully behind raising gas taxes and fees to (1) discourage excessive use of fossil fuels and (2) fund greater investment in viable alternative energy solutions. However, I also feel that several players in the gasoline supply chain are price gouging, and these practices need to be stopped to ensure access to these resources for those who need them.
Scott Eastman
Minneapolis, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
In anticipation of $3/gallon gas and higher, I traded in a V6 high octane car for a Prius Hybrid, though also for environmental reasons. I've long known that U.S. fuel usage was irresponsible and unsustainable, so this came as no shock to our family.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
We're already seeing it pass through to food prices, airline ticket prices, etc. This, plus the suicidal pursuit of corn-base ethanol as a gas substitute, will continue to drive all prices higher.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
Failure to address our dependence on foreign oil with a full court financial and governmental press would be insane. We must even more for fuel to invest in eliminating that dependency. This is a national security issue as well as a global environmental issue.
John Hetterick
Plymouth, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
It has made me more interested in bike commuting--which turns out to be lots of fun.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
I think it's good. We should all be looking for ways to use less gas/oil.
Peggy DeLapp
Minneapolis, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I tend to talk to my customers by phone (and/or fax) more and also email things rather than drive them out. I like the personal contact so I don't like to have it be so impersonal. They understand.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
It will change some of my plans for a driving trip this summer. It hasn't affected us as far as cutting into other things, like groceries, but I think it will for many people. There are only so many dollars coming in.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
I resent the fact that the oil companies are posting outrageous profits while we (average people) are struggling.
LaVerne Kintop
Edina, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
It's changed recreational activities - i.e. I don't go out to movies or to restaurants much anymore. The money we used to spend on those activities (and then some) now goes for gas.
We had planned a couple of road trips for the summer (up North and out West) that we will not be taking now because we figured out the price of gas for those trips, added in the hotels, meals and other activity fees and it just went too far over our budget - even with a car that gets good gas mileage. The gas costs alone have doubled from what they were for the same trips two years ago.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
Higher prices at the grocery stores and other consumer items seem to have gone up in price. If people don't take road trips like we won't this year, that will hurt the travel industry, too.
K. O'Brien
St. Paul, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I bike to work most of the year. I have to use my car for other things, like getting to sports practices, etc., and shopping. However, sometimes my car will sit in my garage for two weeks at a shot without being started.
Derek Terveer
Eagan, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
Despite the impending birth of our second child, my wife and I opted to trade in our V6 2000 Accord, forgo the space and buy a 2007 Civic Ultra Fuel Efficient Vehicle (UFEV). We try to use the car as efficiently as possible but at least we getting better gas mileage.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
Expensive gas necessitates that companies who have to ship their product will either see less profit or raise their prices to maintain their profit margin.
Families who have a fixed amount of money to spend but have myriad activities for its members, have to spend more on gas and, consequently, curb other expenses.
People who live in the ever-expanding reaches of suburbia so that they can get a bigger home are faced with the reality of an offsetting effect of paying more to get to the cities where they work.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
It nauseates me because I don't believe that the market necessitates the wild fluctuation of gas prices. I've also read that oil companies are usurping and collaborating with others so that they can dictate the supply and, consequently, the price. And to top it all, since many members of the current administration profit from the oil industry, I don't believe they are inclined to do anything to alter this reality (that's assuming that they are even capable of doing so).
Mathew O'Brien
Minneapolis, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
It has caused me to re-evaluate how much driving I do throughout the Cities and how far I'm willing to drive. I drive an SUV that doesn't get great gas mileage so I'm seriously considering switching to a smaller gas-efficient vehicle.
As an artist and musician, I'm going to have to turn down a lot of gigs this summer that I normally wouldn't have thought twice about accepting last year when gas prices were lower. As a music teacher, it may affect my studio size should students decide that they don't want to drive all the way to my studio in Saint Paul.
I'm also looking at switching day jobs (as well as where I live) and location is definitely factoring into my decision. The positions that I'm looking at are in the southern metro, and that means that I'll be considering a 15-20 mile commute to a job. That's just one-way!
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
It may affect many small businesses, especially those that rely on delivery (either to or from). The same will probably apply to moving and storage businesses, as well as taxi & transport services. There may also be a shift in the housing market as people consider moving closer to where they work instead of commuting long distance every day.
David Norris
Minneapolis, Minn.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
People drive less which is a great for the environment.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
I personally would like to see it go to $4/gallon because people would be more inclined to buy more fuel efficient cars thus decreasing the amount of pollution put in the air!
George Burtness
St Paul, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I am fortunate that I live only 1 mile from work. I buy one tank of gas a month, but when I went to fill up on Monday, I suffered sticker shock! $3.39 for the medium grade. I considered buying the cheap gas, but it makes my car stink like rotten eggs. Instead, I bought only three-fourth of a tank and I am determined to make it last a month.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
Since I do not need to drive great distances to work, where I see the effects is at the grocery store. Every single item has jumped in price, not just pennies, but 20-30 even 50 cents. It has been shocking! I don't understand why people aren't complaining about it.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
I am of the belief that petrol might be too valuable to burn. We certainly must be looking for a different way to fuel our economy, but I am afraid for the moment, we are stuck. We must stop letting the big oil companies and Chevy/Ford make the decisions about what is good for America. They have had years since the last crisis to deal with this and they have failed.
Audrey Hardy
St Paul, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I now bike to work instead of driving or taking the bus. My friends and I carpool to events and plan daily chores (i.e. grocery shopping) around each other's schedules so we can go together.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
Drop in tourism, drop in consumer spending overall.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
That I think someone needs to come out with an electric car soon!
Marissa Cwik
Minneapolis, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
Sometimes I bike or walk to the library, church or store if the weather is nice and within 2 or 3 miles.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
Everything that needs to be transported costs more. I think twice about buying produce from Chile.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
I cannot change the long commute, but am agonizing over buying a more fuel-efficient car. I had been trying to hold off and drive the wheels off my old car. It would be hard to start car payments again.
Karen Karn
Plymouth, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I am not really affected because I use metro transit or my bike whenever I go anywhere.
Nick Hard
New Brighton, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I work from home, so my commute involves a five-second walk from my bedroom to my desk. The main reason I drive is to get to the co-op or the movie theater, although, I'm ashamed to say, they're both less than two miles away, and I could just as well walk. Then there's the boyfriend in St. Paul--9 miles each way.
It's interesting--the money itself isn't the issue, because I can afford it just fine. It's just a reminder of how expensive gas is in other ways, in the form of pollution and CO2 emissions. And it's that that's gotten me combining errands (and organizing them in a certain order) to get the most done in one outing with the least gas. I've also been challenging myself to walk to local restaurants and shops instead of driving...though I have a long way to go on that (literally).
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
People becoming more mindful of their impact on the environment and the economy.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
I wish they would go higher so people would drive less. In a capitalist environment, the only thing that will get most people to stop engaging in a comfortable behavior is to make it uncomfortable--uncomfortably expensive.
Lisa Leonard
Minneapolis, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I don't hear any talk about cutting costs by using public transit or setting up van pools or car pooling. Are people suffering enough at the pump to trade the independence that comes from being a solo driver for a cheaper ride via bus or car pool? Are home prices in the far reaches of the seven-county metro area falling faster because commuting has become much more expensive?
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
I'm retired, but when I was working I had a daily commute of 90 miles. If I still had that commute I'd really feel the pain of $3.00 gas, but since I now drive so much less, even at the higher price my gasoline costs are about the same as they were when I was commuting daily.
Joan Higinbotham
St Paul, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
Bring it on! I have long thought gas should be taxed at rates far greater than we have today. My family in Denmark has access to highly efficient public transportation and a system of taxes that discourages wasteful use of a rapidly diminishing resource. People get can get anywhere they want; it's affordable, and actually pleasant!
It may smack of socialism but the policies have vision. Our current "leadership" is living in a dream world. We need to wake up and begin making a transition to a future economy not based on fossil fuels.
I fear for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and any other lands (ocean) where there is even a little bit of oil to be drilled. We have done so little over the last generation to reduce our energy consumption patterns and yet people are upset about the price of gasoline. This "crisis" has been foreseeable for a long, long time. We have the ability today (and had it yesterday as well) with current technology to foster a much more energy efficient economy. It's long past time we moved in that direction.
Stephen Moe
St Paul, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
Not taking as many road trips this summer. Will be signing my daughter up for summer classes closer to where we live.
Bonnie Schueler
Eagan, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I am biking to the light rail instead of driving to work every day. Also, on weekends I park my car and get around by bicycle. We have a boat and we're considering parking it at the cabin this summer instead of trailering to the St. Croix and different lakes each weekend like we do most summers.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
There is a positive side to it in that more people are finding alternate ways to live and play, reducing the impact on the environment. It's kind of like the cigarette tax -- there's pressure to be more environmentally responsible which in the end, is good for us.
J. Wenborg
Minneapolis, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
We use our autos for shopping and we have a trip planned to Colorado. The gas situation is awful but we haven't been on a vacation for 9 years so that alone won't stop our vacation plans.
I'm shopping closer to home for groceries, even if it just means avoiding a few miles and paying a little more for the convenience of the modestly upscale one near our home.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
At work, the percentage that one's salary goes up isn't keeping pace with inflation and the rise in the price of gas.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
It forces one to examine the whole issue that if we continue to buy it no matter what price that we are not helping the issue - it's silly to boycott gas stations, etc. and one needs to not drive if you really want to make any impact. I admire the people with the conviction to ride their bikes to work.
Renee Hammes
Minneapolis, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I'm already carpooling 3 days a week (out of 4) to work, both vehicles average 35 mpg, but I am not making as many trips to stores or out unless I can combine them, or if the store is close (less than a mile or two). I am also looking into possibly setting up an office at home so I can cut down on another day of driving in. I am considering biking in (12 miles each way) to work at least one day a week in the summer months. This is not as appealing since it is a long and treacherous path and there are no showers at work.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
Not shopping as much for me. Not eating out to pay for the additional gas. I will likely have to cut down on visits to the coffee shops--a latte is the price of a gallon of gas.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
If the additional revenues were going towards fuel efficiency and energy improvements moving us away from foreign oil I would say let the price rise. As we have seen is that the oil companies are pocketing the profits and using it to expand existing influence and entrenchment in their outdated modes of operation. For the 30% increase we aren't seeing 30 percent higher quality product or more refineries or new supplies. It's the same equipment and pipelines that were in place last year and the year before that, etc... They know they have a gullible public and an administration that will do nothing to help solve the problem. No change in CAFE standards, no increased incentives for electric vehicles or hybrids, for example. Instead we're stuck with more of the same for a much, much higher price tag.
Justin Eibenholzl
Minneapolis, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I'm walking more. Walking is fine for now but come winter I'll have to drag the car out more.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
The effects on the elderly and other have-nots and what can be done about it.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
It should indicate that we have to push for automobiles to be available in the U.S. with higher gas mileage than what are available now. Other countries are putting us to shame on that score.
Anne Tews
St Paul, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
It helped motivate me to buy a bicycle. I went to the monthly Minneapolis Police Bike Auction and bought a used bike for only $70. Whenever possible I will ride my bike around Uptown instead of drive.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
People would be advised to really keep track of how much money they spend on gas, and consider cutting back on a "luxury" - otherwise they could quickly find they don't have as much disposable income available as they thought if they want to go on a vacation.
Dan Miller
Minneapolis, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
Slow down (better mileage), think twice before a trip, tune-up vehicle (at 106,000 miles it needs one anyway).
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
The dollars consumed in traffic congestion goes up - more waste, less money for other things.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
The real issue is efficient transportation. Dept. of Transportation MUST become far sighted. Ease congestion by timed traffic lights, more lane miles, better mass-transit and a new outer ring freeway system/loop - beyond the 3rd tier suburbs.
Rollie Bible
Apple Valley, Minn.
What are some of the lesser-known effects of high gas prices?
Commuting by bus is actually more expensive for me. I live in North Minneapolis and work in St. Paul and have to take the express bus, the 94B, which costs $5.50 per day. I have a hybrid and it cost less in gas than to take the bus. Of course, I get a work out and don't have to add miles to my car. So gas prices also affect public transportation which hurts lower income people without any car the most.
What else can you tell us about gas prices rising beyond $3-a-gallon?
On "Now with David Brancaccio" on Friday night, May 18, was a program about why America hasn't come up with a more fuel efficient car. What they failed to ask was - where is the electric car? Ethanol using corn depletes the soil and uses so many insecticides it would seem that bringing back the EV-1 would only make sense.
Conni Conner
Minneapolis, Minn.
What is your perspective on high gas prices? Has $3-plus gas caused you to change your behavior at all?
I started commuting from downtown St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis on my bike instead of driving my car in rush-hour traffic.
My husband built a 585 horsepower engine that runs on E85 for his racecar. Now he's trying to design an electric car for me to drive to work in the winter.
Chelsea DeArmond
St Paul, Minn.
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