Gas prices have soared across the country in response to a recent string of attacks launched by the U.S. in Iran. Conflicts in the Middle East have notably disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Oil prices have reached over $100 per barrel in recent weeks, which has a direct impact on how much people are spending at the pump. 

Some students say that this has started to affect the way they spend, save and even how often they drive. 

“Most of my money has gotta go straight to college,” senior Addison Griswold, who is paying for her Emporia tuition on her own, said. “So I can’t get a full tank. I make $13.50 an hour at Jimmy Johns and work 30 hours a week. I know a lot of people who take out of their college savings for gas. But I can’t do that.”

Gas prices in Kansas average $2.92, according to KCUR, a Kansas NPR affiliate. The lowest cost of gas in Shawnee is currently $3.19 a gallon at Costco. Some students said they’ve started buying gas here instead, or Sam’s Club to save money. 

“Economists will tell you that if these gas prices stay at this price for a long time, it has the potential to put us in a recession,” history and economics teacher, Matthew Wolfe said. “People are spending more on gas than the things they need, and less on consumption items like food and clothing.”

Students say they’ve stopped buying anything from energy drinks, to makeup and fast food. 

“I would go get fast food during open lunch,” senior Ehsan Asalati said. “Now, I’m staying here and eating, because it’s cheaper for me.”

Other students say they, or someone they know has been severely impacted by gas prices in ways that stretch beyond cutting back on personal expenses.

“I know people who have hardly come to school because they live too far,” senior Axel Delaney said. “They don’t have enough money for gas, so they miss class. It’s really messed up.”