Rising gas prices continue to create challenges for families, students, and residents of the Bay Area. Many gas stations are approaching around $6 per gallon, and some have even exceeded that number.

Larkin Burns ’27 commented, “My parents complain about gas prices all the time… Last time they went to a gas station it was almost $6 a gallon.”

One of the main reasons for rising gas prices is global conflict. Ongoing tensions in Iran have disrupted oil supplies, creating a spike in oil prices. Uncertainty in the global market is a prominent cause for the uncertainty in rising gas prices.

Along with these international conflicts, in California specifically, the state requires a cleaner burning gas that is more expensive to produce. These policies, while environmentally focused, have led to California having some of the most expensive gas prices in the country.

According to the American Automobile Association, gas in California jumped to around $5.20 per gallon in early March of 2026. Currently, in some parts of the Bay Area, gas is closer to $6 or more.

These rising costs are significantly changing people’s commutes. Many are choosing to carpool, use public transportation, or drive less to save money.

Students especially are affected by these prices. Many are unable to afford gas, and therefore are not able to drive. Some parents are hesitant to drive their kids to school and other places as they don’t want to waste gas.

“My mom doesn’t want to drive me or pick me up anymore because she doesn’t want to waste gas,” said Isabella Villarreal Gonzalez ’27.

Experts warn that prices will continue to rise if global tensions continue. Gas prices impact the daily life of residents of the Bay Area, and across the country.

As costs increase, families and students are faced with financial and practical issues, and are being forced to find new ways to commute.