Rising gas prices bring additional stress to Cerritos College students

The average cost for a gallon of gas in LA County hit $6 this week. Photo by Vincent Medina.

NORWALK - Cerritos College students are feeling the additional stress of rising gas prices, as the average price for a gallon of gas in LA County rose to $6 according to AAA.

The increase in gas is a result of the U.S. sanctions on Russian oil, which supplied the country with an average of 199,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil in 2021 according to American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers

Students are trying to conserve gas by reducing their trips for self-care or relaxation. However, reducing their time for self-care is contributing to their added stress.

Dave Chow, a second-year economics major at Cerritos College, would usually take time to play sports or take a drive to the park before gas prices increased.

“Normally I just go out and just go to the park, just breathe the fresh air, just go for like a casual stroll, or I’ll go to Don Knobe golf course,” Chow said. “That's like a stress reliever. Now I just

stroll around my home, which I feel as less aesthetically pleasing.”

Chow said he usually goes to Costco for gas and would usually pay $30, but now he will pay $45.

“It adds a bit to the stress from school and how I decide my traveling habits,” Chow said.

Emily Silva, a second year child development major at Cerritos College, said she is struggling to manage her budget as prices increase at the pump.

“I’m trying to put money in my savings and then move some money aside now for gas. I think I need to start picking up more hours at work in order to keep like a good budget,” Silva said. “Normally I would go out with friends, go to the beach. I'm doing a lot of self care activities for myself. I can’t do that because of gas prices so I do feel held back from that.”

She said she is hoping to transfer to San Diego State University and is worried about the cost with gas prices.

“I’m trying not to overwhelm myself more,” Silva said. “I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.”