Gas prices won't stay low for too long
The Traveler Editorial Board
Issue date: 10/27/08 Section: Opinion
With the recent drop in gas prices came a sigh of relief across much of Northwest Arkansas.
The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report showed the average unleaded price yesterday in Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers was $2.31, which means that in a little more than a month, the average price of gas in the area has gone from record-breaking heights to being sliced in half.
And it's a welcome relief, no doubt. To go from paying $4 a gallon to a little more than $2 seems to be a gift from above, especially when wallets are stretching in every other way, whether it be from buying groceries, paying tuition or dropping $1.50 for a measly 20 ounce soda from a vending machine.
The most obvious reason that gas prices have lowered so fast and so much is the faltering economy - with less money comes less demand, and with less demand comes higher supply.
Right now, Arkansans appear to be luckier than folks in California, Utah, Nevada and New York, where gas prices still are topping $3.
But the severe decrease in prices in the state, though a cause for celebration, shouldn't mean Arkansans simply should fall back into their old, gas-guzzling habits.
Because the cut in prices won't last for long. The decrease is much appreciated, but the second students decide life is normal again and jump in their SUVs for every little errand is the second gas prices will hit the roof.
It's a fine line to walk, but lower gas prices aren't going to stall the pursuit of alternative energy, whether it be wind, solar or hybrid technology.
So neither should lower gas prices allow Arkansans to assume they can continue to consume more than they truly need.
Students have amazing opportunities to cheaply take advantage of alternative transportation - by using Razorbikes, Razorback Transit, their own form of carpooling, or simply walking. (Trekking around this campus, after all, is just as effective as using any stair climber.)
Of course, we understand some students might want to travel to Little Rock for the Louisiana State University football game or head home once in a while for some quality family time, and obviously, that's perfectly fine.
In the midst of this hectic semester, with no fall break and just a few days off for Thanksgiving, a little fun with family and friends is much needed.
But just like the 99 cents a gallon we saw as kid is long gone, so will be the $2 a gallon trend.
If students stay ahead of the game, however, the next time gas prices shoot through the roof, it won't be such a surprise.
The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report showed the average unleaded price yesterday in Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers was $2.31, which means that in a little more than a month, the average price of gas in the area has gone from record-breaking heights to being sliced in half.
And it's a welcome relief, no doubt. To go from paying $4 a gallon to a little more than $2 seems to be a gift from above, especially when wallets are stretching in every other way, whether it be from buying groceries, paying tuition or dropping $1.50 for a measly 20 ounce soda from a vending machine.
The most obvious reason that gas prices have lowered so fast and so much is the faltering economy - with less money comes less demand, and with less demand comes higher supply.
Right now, Arkansans appear to be luckier than folks in California, Utah, Nevada and New York, where gas prices still are topping $3.
But the severe decrease in prices in the state, though a cause for celebration, shouldn't mean Arkansans simply should fall back into their old, gas-guzzling habits.
Because the cut in prices won't last for long. The decrease is much appreciated, but the second students decide life is normal again and jump in their SUVs for every little errand is the second gas prices will hit the roof.
It's a fine line to walk, but lower gas prices aren't going to stall the pursuit of alternative energy, whether it be wind, solar or hybrid technology.
So neither should lower gas prices allow Arkansans to assume they can continue to consume more than they truly need.
Students have amazing opportunities to cheaply take advantage of alternative transportation - by using Razorbikes, Razorback Transit, their own form of carpooling, or simply walking. (Trekking around this campus, after all, is just as effective as using any stair climber.)
Of course, we understand some students might want to travel to Little Rock for the Louisiana State University football game or head home once in a while for some quality family time, and obviously, that's perfectly fine.
In the midst of this hectic semester, with no fall break and just a few days off for Thanksgiving, a little fun with family and friends is much needed.
But just like the 99 cents a gallon we saw as kid is long gone, so will be the $2 a gallon trend.
If students stay ahead of the game, however, the next time gas prices shoot through the roof, it won't be such a surprise.
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