JESSIE GAMBRELL
STAFF WRITER

Since January 2012, gas prices in California have gone up 61 cents per gallon, causing a major economical problem for San Diegans.

There was a 37-day streak of daily gas price increases that ended Friday, March 2. These mega increases drastically made an impact on the economy and student allowances for other material/ non-material expenses and necessities.

“It puts a limit on where you can go. It’s just school and work, and that’s it,” student Rose Jauregui said.

San Diegans are paying approximately 55 cents more per gallon than the average person in the United States as of Feb. 26, 2012, according to the Lundberg Survey of fuel prices. In one week, the gas prices in San Diego jumped from $4.07 to $4.32—the highest of the season. As of Tuesday, March 6, the average price of gas in San Diego is $4.36 and at the current moment is considered to be falling, the survey reported.

“It sucks a lot. I think it definitely affects the students who are already poor as it is,” student Christa Van Voorhees said.

The continued increase of gas prices could essentially put a hold on the creation of jobs in the U.S., unless something is done about it before it is too late. Economists call this effect “spiraling inflation.” President Obama stressed development of other fuel options at the March American Energy conference.

Students are recommended to take other means of public transportation: the bus, the Sprinter, the Surfliner, trolleys and taxis, and carpooling helps reduce financial strain at the pump.

“I’ve been taking the Sprinter to save on gas and for spring break I’ll be working to save up for gas,” Junior Isaiah Medina said.