Gas prices expected to remain high

Gas prices have remained persistently high over the last few weeks and will probably stay that way through the next few months, said Peter Clark, a chemical and biological engineering professor.

Clark said several different factors tie into gas prices.

Instability in the oil producing regions, he said, accounts for a large part of higher crude oil prices, which then raises gasoline prices.

Problems in Nigeria and the Middle East cause instability and uncertainty in the oil market, Clark said.

"Any time there is any type of threat, oil prices jump a little bit," he said. "But uncertainty in political conditions around the world makes it hard to say what gas prices will do. I don't expect a big change any time soon, though."

Clark said the collapse in the value of the dollar also plays a large role in the higher gas prices. Oil is traded in dollars, he said, and the lower dollar value causes oil traders to raise prices to compensate.

World demand has been going up, as well, Clark said, contributing to raised prices.

President George Bush urged OPEC nations to produce more gasoline during his recent 8-day trip to the Middle East.

According to the Associated Press, White House press secretary Dana Perino said Saudi King Abdullah understood the concern Bush raised, but there was no apparent commitment from the Saudis and no immediate move from OPEC.

Yesse Tanner, a sophomore majoring in aerospace engineering, said she is from California, and gas prices there are nearly 50 cents higher than in Tuscaloosa. High gas prices, she said, cause her to fly home over breaks and leave her car in Tuscaloosa.

"I try to drive as little as possible when I'm in town," she said. "I had to cut out certain groceries to afford gas. But, if I don't have to drive, I don't."

Jeff Hurn, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, said gas prices put a strain on his budget.

"It takes me at least $100 to get home and back," he said. "I live on campus, so I don't have to drive as much as some people do. I try to cut out as much driving as I can. It's still tough, though, because I don't have a job and I still have to drive home or drive to church or wherever."

Jared Mooney, a freshman majoring in civil engineering, said he lives off campus, and the cost of driving back and forth adds up.

"I have a Jeep and it doesn't get good gas mileage at all," he said. "I only live about five minutes off campus, which doesn't sound like much, but it pushes the cost up real quick. I drive everywhere - grocery store, church, campus, home, the Rec Center. It can put some pressure on your finances."