WILL SEBERGER/Arizona Daily Wildcat Pre-business sophomore Dan Greifinger pumps fuel at Jett's Wildcat Petrol on East Sixth Street and North Park Avenue yesterday. Fuel prices have hit record highs throughout the country in recent days, with Pima County's fuel prices averaging $1.85 per gallon.

Rise in fuel costs has students carpooling more, driving less

The temperature is not the only thing that has risen in Tucson; the cost of gasoline has skyrocketed and left UA students strapped for cash.

The average cost for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline in Pima County is now $1.85, and the highest recorded price for the county was documented just last week at $1.89 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association.

Andrea Esquer, public information spokeswoman for the attorney general's office, said there are a few reasons why gas prices have increased.

"OPEC did a one-third supply reduction in February, reducing the amount of oil being produced out of OPEC countries," Esquer said. "It hurts everyone. That is why gas prices are high across the nation."

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries includes 11 countries that rely on oil export revenues to support their economies.

Tara Zybowski, a psychology senior, said the rising gas prices have affected her everyday budget.

"I find it hard to decide whether to get extra food at the grocery store or buy gas to get to campus," Zybowski said.

She said she typically spends about $22 to fill up her car but tries to put gas in intervals of $5 or $10 so it is not just one lump sum.

Although Tucson gas prices are high, there are other cities that have been hit harder by the hikes, Esquer said.

"Tucson (gasoline) is about 10 cents cheaper than the gas in Phoenix," she said.

Arizona and California have higher gas prices than other states because of the poor air conditions, Esquer said.

Arizona uses a winter blend of gasoline and then switches to a different blend in the summer. The blends are made with chemicals to make engines burn cleaner in each season, she said.

"The refineries' reason for higher prices is that it takes more money to switch from the different blends," Esquer said.

They have to draw down the inventory and use what they have of one blend before they start refining the next, she said. This causes a smaller quantity of gas to be available to consumers, thus feeding the cycle of supply and demand.

"Once they have done the switchover, we should see prices go down a little bit," Esquer said.

Stefanie Bauman, a family studies and human development sophomore, said the hike in the cost of gas is affecting the way she spends her money.

"I'm paying more for gas and less for going out and eating. I have to use my CatCard more," Bauman said.

She is also doing little things to help offset the cost of her fuel.

"I drive my friends around, and they help pay for gas," she said. "It is more like carpooling."

Esquer said there is a variety of things students can do to conserve gas and save themselves money.

"Carpooling is what we strongly suggest," she said. "If you live on campus, you should walk to class or ride your bike."

She also suggested fueling up in the evening or early morning to decrease evaporation.

"Don't put gas in your car in the middle of the day. It evaporates quicker," she said.

Amber Webb, a pre-business junior, said she is concerned about the rising cost of gas.

"I will probably drive even less and carpool more if the prices reach $2," Webb said.