The nationwide surge in gas prices has many Americans struggling to balance the increase in expenditures, some even making lifestyle changes to cope. 

Record high gas prices are having widespread effects far beyond the pumps. Prices of nearly all goods have increased notably due to increased costs for businesses, especially relating to shipping and distribution operations. Companies such as Amazon, which rely on gas for distribution and delivery, have been forced to increase prices. To reduce strain on customers, Amazon, like numerous other major corporations, has implemented specialized algorithms to counteract sudden price spikes and prevent unneeded excess economic strain on consumers. 

Although companies are doing their best, many working-class Americans are still panicking over the price increases. The increase is especially hurting small-business owners who do not have access to the economies of scale cost advantages that larger corporations have.  

According to a CNBC poll, 53% of small business owners are not anticipating recovering or growing within the next six months. Many small businesses, especially those whose services are reliant on commuting, have been forced to close operations due to the cost increase putting them on an unequal playing field with their corporate competition. 

The rising fuel prices are causing concern far beyond the pumps for everyday Americans as well. All-time high costs for nearly all goods and services nationwide have been observed. 

Looking at prices at a local level, in March of 2021, Wisconsin’s average price for a gallon of E-87 was $1.93, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Compared to today’s prices, the average has almost doubled, with current prices reaching just shy of $4.00. Many citizens are feeling the burden of the increase.  

Madison College Student Kaleb Kaefner gives his take on the dramatic price changes and how it’s affected him. 

“I drive a Volkswagen, so I use diesel which is now up to like $4.90-something a gallon which is insane. Instead of $40 to fill up, it’s $60 now, and I don’t even go to an empty tank, I usually go to like three-fourths, and then I fill up,” he said 

The gas price hike will continue to be felt by all until a successful solution is reached. Costs for gas and essential goods have increased substantially and no clear initiative has proved successful in subsiding the crisis. Businesses and corporations have been forced to react to the increased costs by raising prices, passing the extra financial burden to consumers. The duration of the crisis is still unknown, many Americans are adapting as a precautionary measure.