Are shifting gas prices enough to sway voters?
An Exxon gas station located in College Park (Foursquare)
As inflation continues to soar around the U.S., University of Maryland students express their concern with the rise in gas prices.
In early March, gas prices in Maryland for regular pumps hit a record high of $4.30 while gas prices in Maryland currently sit around $3.73 for a regular pump. This is a stark difference from April 2020 when prices were beneath $3. Prices have been rising steadily since the onset of the pandemic. In Prince George's County, average gas prices sit around $3.75.
Junior criminology major Hanah Ajamian who commutes to campus said she was worried about the rising cost of gas
“I don’t know how anyone expects a college student to live, to buy groceries, to work, or go to school,” said Ajamian. “I am already paying so much money for these classes, I don't want to miss them but I might have to because of the gas prices.”
Rising gas prices remain a critical issue for Americans, especially vulnerable populations like college students who are sensitive to the increase. College students have varied expenses that their limited income cannot always support. Of the 16.6 million college students enrolled in 2021, one-third of them borrowed up to $30,000 to attend university.
While inflation hit a 40-year high, President Biden argued at the National League of Cities conference in March that Russian president Vladimir Putin is the second biggest reason for rising gas prices at the pump, according to the New York Times. A recent ABC news poll found that 71% blamed Putin as well, however, the U.S gets most of its crude oil from Mexico and Canada.
The U.S, only relies on Russia for 8% of its energy imports.
Gas prices have increased 7.9% in the last month, the largest increase since 1982 according to a report in the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As midterm elections approach, Republicans are predicted to flip five democratic seats according to the Daily Mail, which will likely affect Biden's ability to pass any meaningful legislation.
The 2020 election saw a record turnout among young voters with Biden getting 61% of the youth vote. It’s uncertain whether young voters will let the prices affect their vote. Freshman public health major Chinemelum Anado, has had to limit his spending due to increasing transportation costs but he said that it won’t change his vote in future elections.
“I don’t think the gas prices are directly affected by President Biden,” said Anado. “This is an effect from war so obviously some of our resources will get cut back for Ukraine to support them.”