The recent war in the Middle East is causing gas prices to rise throughout the United States and people are beginning to take note of it. This change has directly affected many everyday drivers, including high school students, college students and businesses that rely on transportation as their services.
Gas is already something that is an excessive cost to young teens. With a lot of kids being in sports and other extracurricular activities, some kids are unable to work enough or at all to support their constant financial need for gas. College students with long commutes are also facing the consequences of this inflation. Not only is personal transportation prices affected but along with public transportation. Including buses, trains, and ride share drivers as well, so even students without vehicles will pay more for their everyday transportation.
A student at the University of Rhode Island, Robert Allen expressed his concerns and how the rise in gas pricing is affecting his daily life.
“Its hard to afford it now since I can’t work as much between my classes. It cost $5 dollars more to fill my tank than it did a few months ago, and I have to fill it every other day.”
Another student at Toll Gate high school Avery Engstrom, who is commuting to the University of Rhode Island this fall. Also added input about her concerns.
“I’m gonna be spending a lot more money on gas a couple times every week to get to school.”
The average price of gas in the United States in February 2026, was $2.91 per gallon prior to the bombings in Iran. The average price in Rhode Island, in February 2026 was $2.86, which now in late April is roughly $4.10-$4.20. The prices are about 45.50% as compared to this same time last year, and over the past month have gone up by 43.4%. College students already pay around $3,016 on living expenses per month with transportation fees included. As a result of this, students may struggle to pay for and sustain their other needs like food, text books, and their social life. This will force low income students to budget their spending more critically and overall affecting their college experience. The average American was paying about 5% of our income gas prior to March 2026, now we will be paying 10%.
There are other factors to consider in this issue, many college students not only have part-time jobs but are also involved in internships. The jobs or internships they are participating in, or interested in, could be limited because of distances they need to travel, leading students to avoid opportunities because of the stress of being unable to afford them. The rising costs are affecting these students trying to begin the transition into their young adulthood. It’s contributing to early financial stress that kids should not be forced to deal with. With piled up responsibilities and the stress of money, it can be hard to put your energy into your education.
