California has once again taken the lead in having the nation’s highest gas prices.
The beginning of March has resulted in California topping out at an average of $4.33 per gallon. That’s 60 cents more per gallon than the national average of $3.73 according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report. The skyrocketing prices are only estimated to climb as summer approaches. 
Turlock drivers are no exception. In Turlock, the cheapest gas available is $4.09 at Costco and the most expensive cashes in at $4.39 at the Chevron station on Tully Rd. and Main St.
There are various factors that can be attributed to the rising fuel costs. 
Among these include closing refineries and “…fears of extended Middle East supply disruptions and increased demand from an improving global economy,” as mentioned by Jad Mouawad in the New York Times.
President Barack Obama recognized the high gas prices in his speech to the University of Miami last Thursday. 
“Just like last year, gas prices are climbing across the country,” Obama said. “This time, it’s happening even earlier, and when gas prices go up… it hurts everybody.”
This is also affecting students at California State University, Stanislaus. In an effort to save gas, students that commute to Stanislaus try and create schedules to avoid unnecessary trips. 
“I come to school two days a week and I plan it like that so I don’t have to come as much because of gas prices,” said Sara Looney (junior, Communication Studies), who drives forty minutes from Manteca. “My car is gas efficient, but it’s still double what I used to pay.”
Many students have also found that the extra money spent on gas has resulted in less money available for leisure and fun outings. 
“I have been watching my money by making adjustments on eating out, buying drinks, and driving to my friends’ houses,” said Lydia Martino (senior, Communication Studies). “Just trying to drive the least amount as possible, but it sucks.”