By: Nancy Navarro, Feb. 25, 2025
Gas prices reaching highs of around $4.77 per gallon in Pomona are forcing students at Cal Poly Pomona, which is predominately a commuter school with many spending hours on the road, to adjust their budgets and schedules.
“The financial strain caused by fluctuating gas prices remains a significant concern, as it impacts students’ budgets and lifestyle choices,” said Carsten Lange, an economics professor Ph.D., Professor of Economics, said. “Further research and surveys could help determine the extent of these impacts and how students are adjusting their routines in response.”
Gas prices are rising due to several factors, with one of the main reasons being the seasonal transition to the more expensive “summer gasoline,” which happens annually. Another factor according to California Energy Commission, is a recent fire at the Martinez Refining Company Feb. 1, 2025, which led to price increases across the state of California .
“Rising gas prices have significantly impacted my daily routine, making me think more of my driving habits and expenses,” said Holly Smith, a business and marketing student and a commuter. “I also have to think twice about which activities and events I attend. If something is far away, I have to decide if the trip is really necessary.”
With inflation currently around 3-4% according to the US Inflation Calculator, the overall cost of goods and services is rising. This means that the costs involved in extracting, and transporting gasoline are increasing. As companies face a higher cost due to inflation, these costs are passed down to customers which results in higher gas prices.
“Most people only focus on how gas prices impact the overall economy, but for students, it can make a big difference in daily life,” Smith said. “It affects how we get to school, and our ability to participate in activities.”
The financial burden of commuting has made budgeting harder, forcing students to rethink each trip and, in some cases, having to cut back on social outings. Other students have begun exploring more cost-effective transportation options.
For instance, Linette Romero, a geography environmental studies student, said she switched from commuting in her truck to using her significant other’s hybrid car because she has not been able to fill her tank of gas.
“Recently, I traveled out of town with the Horse Show Team for a competition at UC Davis, and gas prices were definitely on my mind throughout the trip,” Romero said. “Filling up my tank cost me over $60, and I couldn’t help but feel that driving was a mistake.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom has introduced new policies to keep prices under control. He signed a law in March 2023 allowing the state of California to set limits on how much profit oil companies can make and fine them if they go over a certain limit. The law also requires companies to be more transparentabout their prices.
Newson also signed a law in October 2024 that forces oil refineries to keep a minimum amount of fuel in reserve to avoid shortages and price increases. While these steps are meant to help and prevent unfair price hikes, their success is not guaranteed.
For many students, this can be challenging as they depend on part-time jobs to cover their expenses. To help students, Cal Poly Pomona offers a free bus service on campus, the Bronco Express Shuttle, and access to Foothill Transit’s Class Pass, which provides unlimited free rides for enrolled students.
