Increasing gas prices could change lifestyles we’re used to

As of Monday, the average gasoline price in Nebraska rose 6.5 cents per gallon, compared to the week before, averaging $4.16/g, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 1,150 stations in the state.
Prices in Nebraska are 19.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.30 more than a year ago.
The price of diesel has risen sharply by 22.6 cents nationally in the week previous and is at $5.52 per gallon.
Gas prices are reaching the highest levels ever in Nebraska.
Experts say the high gas prices are largely due to the price of oil, which is hovering around $110 a barrel.
Matt Olberding of the Lincoln Journal Star wrote on May 20, “Prices are likely to keep increasing, thanks to the switch-over to summer fuel blends and the coming summer travel season. Memorial Day weekend is the start of the summer driving season.
    “Prices later this week could be closer to $5 per gallon nationally as demand continues to edge higher and inventories of both gasoline and diesel continue to decline, temperatures warm and motorists get back outside and we near the Memorial weekend,” said Patrick DeHaan, lead petroleum analyst for the gas price comparison website GasBuddy.
Some local thoughts
    Josh and Wendy Moe live north of Wauneta and both work in Imperial.
    They have to drive separate vehicles to town because of differing schedules.
    It’s about 25 miles to Imperial one way per vehicle.
    Wendy commented that if she doesn’t look at the total number with gas prices, it’s not so bad.
    “The price of gas hasn’t changed much in our life just yet,” she said.
    Wendy said they are making little adjustments as needed as they go along.
    It is what it is, she said.
    “I have to go to work and go places, so I just deal with it. It’s way too early for a horse and buggy. I’m not waking up that early,” she chuckled.
    Josh tries not to look at the pump when getting gas—it’s too depressing, he said.
    “I try to be mindful of prices and take advantage of lower prices at different locations when I can,” Josh said.
    “If I have a discount card, I try to always use it,” he added.
    The Moes said, for the most part, they limit unnecessary trips to town.
    “For example, we don’t usually just run to town for a pizza,” he said.
    “If we need a gallon of milk, we get it while in town or wait until we’re already there,” he added.
    They often grocery shop after church before going home, he said.
    “I really don’t know the right answer as to why this is happening, but I suspect it is a ‘planned crisis’,” Josh said.
    He explained that if prices go up or stay the same, it’s still going to have a negative effect  on higher fuel prices—it will have a domino effect on all shipping, importing and moving goods around for consumers—everything that touches a truck.
    “It hasn’t been too drastic of a change yet,” he said, agreeing with Wendy.
    “With our schedules, we can’t carpool, so we cut expenses where we can, limit travel and we’re revamping our budget,” said Josh.
    Krista McClain is the store manager at Viaero in Imperial.
    She owns her house in Madrid and travels about 30 miles to work one way.
    “The biggest effect I’ve noticed with gas prices going up is it makes my salary less and I spend more to get there. I’ve had to readjust my budget,” McClain said.
    She said she doesn’t make frivolous trips anymore. She does everything at once.

    “I used to go home while my son finished practices and then come back, but now I may wait in town until he is done,” she said.
    Another big change for her that she doesn’t like is being less likely to be involved with this community.
    “I love being involved with the community here but I can’t afford the extra expense of more trips back and forth. So, it makes me sad,” said McClain.
    She has been coming to Imperial for a year and has met a lot of good friends.
    She said Imperial has many activities and she wants to be a part of the town groups, volunteering and helping move  town projects forward.
    “I really enjoy being a part of the Chamber of Commerce here. I have learned so much,” she continued.
    McClain said she could remember when she was much younger, about 17 years ago,  and the price of gas got high— she was not prepared.
    “High fuel makes everything more expensive. Prices get higher and your budget gets lower. I’m older now and live differently post-pandemic. I don’t go to the store as often,” she said.
    There’s just no answer for what is happening, she said. People could be forced to work closer to home, or salaries could go up, or gas could go down.
    “I don’t know,” she said.
    Another not-so-different opinion came from Peggy Murillo who owns her home in Palisade and drives the 35 miles to Imperial for work.
    She said it sometimes makes her question working at a distance and the longer hours.
    “The higher gas prices cause me to pay more out of pocket to be away from my family. I miss family time,” Murillo said.
    She loves her job where she can help others, she explained.
    “I am away from family at least 11 hours a day, and the price hikes make me feel like it’s robbing me of the joy to help others. I feel like it’s all politics—the price hike,” she said.
    “If people would focus less on politics and more on family, love and what’s on their front porch, they would see the importance of lowering costs,”she added.
    She said she would like to see the people who set limits so high try considering family instead of what takes away from family needs.
    “We have to work more to pay for higher gas and spend less time with our families. It’s a double-edged sword,” said Murillo.
More small steps
    In general, gas prices tend to be lowest at the beginning of the week, on Monday and Tuesday, said GasBuddy’s De Haan.
    As the week goes on, gas prices tend to rise until they reach their most expensive point on the weekend—especially on Friday and Saturday.
    Some other steps to beat gas prices include:
    Slow down. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 15 cents per gallon for gas.
    Keep your car maintained and running smoothly. Get regular tune ups.
    Use your engine wisely.  Avoid excessive idling.
    Be smart about driving. Keep your car light.