With a sharp increase in gas prices and a slowing economy, many individuals are suffering from a budget deficit. We at InFocus decided to ask people how they are coping with the record high prices of oil and if it will have an effect on their summer travel plans.
“With the increase in gas prices, my husband and I make less trips to the supermarket. We buy everything in bulk because even a little bit can make a difference. We don’t plan on taking any summer trips even though we have gas-efficient cars.” (Maha Knight, 45, El Cajon) “With gas inflation, the economy is really tough. I started riding a motorcycle even though it’s cold ‘cause I can’t afford the gas prices. I decided not to go anywhere this summer because gas might go up to $5 a gallon.” (Frank Hamad, 50, San Diego) “I have three small children and I can’t say no to them when they want to go places. I also drive 120 miles daily due to work requirements. Between driving to work and driving my kids places, I spend $900 a month on gas alone. It’s really taken a toll on my budget, but its hard to cut back because you need your car to get around.” (Shaheed Mahmoud, 49, San Diego) “If gas prices continue to rise, I’m going to probably have to use public transportation. In a city like ours where there is no metro, you have no choice. When you spend so much on gas, you have to spend less on anything else. It’s becoming ridiculously unaffordable.” (Iman Hassaine, 15, Sorrento Valley) “Due to these gas prices, I bought a more gas efficient car and I try to save as much as possible. I don’t plan on taking any summer trips.” (Shaheed Sabur, 56, El Cajon) “I have a big van and it gives very low gas mileage. There is nothing I can really do about it. I just feel like I’m being cheated, but there is no way around it. Public transportation is terrible here so we’re forced to pay at the pump.” (Amin Usman, 50, La Mesa) “I bought a more gas-efficient car and I try to carpool to deal with these gas prices. I don’t have any summer travel plans currently.” (Sahar Yusufi, 23, La Jolla) “ I don’t feel like the increase in gas prices has affected me as much as others. My family and I drive to Irvine less, but I don’t think it will affect our summer plans.” (Ayesha Huda, 27, Claremont) “I think regardless of how much gas prices are, I’m always going to have to allocate funds towards [it]. Public transportation is terrible so it’s a catch-22. I have to drive to get anywhere and that means spending money on gas.” (Ron Valdez, 27, Chula Vista) “I am carpooling with my friends, but I’m still spending at least $35 a week on gas. The problem is its an inelastic demand you can’t really cut back. While gas prices are high, they won’t affect my summer travel plans.” (Kevin Iraniha, 23, San Diego)
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