Gas, gas, gas. The cheapest that I ever remember pumping gas into a car since getting my license was $0.69 per gallon. The $3.09 that I saw today on the way to work is a far cry from that. We've been planning on visiting my wife's family this weekend, and I cringe at what it will cost. Couple years ago it cost less than 30 bucks; last time we went I think it was around 45 smackers, and this time will be 100+. Talk about taking a hit in the wallet.
What really worries me are the gas shortages that have been reported. I know most of it was manmade by people freaking out and rushing out to fill up their cars and every gas can that they could lay their hands on.
The thing that really freaks me out though is what long-term ramifications higher gas prices are going to have. Shipping becomes more expensive which will raise prices on goods of all sorts. People cut down on their extra traveling which hurts businesses. I can say that we've seen that here at the library. Far fewer patrons coming in, and those that do are combining trips to the library with trips to the grocery store. I can forsee a lot of smaller businesses closing, especially luxury businesses like movie theaters, video rental stores, and smaller vacation spots.
I wish that I could afford to get a new car that gets 35 mpg or better instead of the 25 mpg that I'm getting now. Heck, I wish I could walk or ride a bike to work!
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