Although the Russian-Ukraine conflict is occurring over 5000 miles away, your wallet may still be affected. Gas prices in the United States are projected to skyrocket in the near future as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. For some students at Broughton, this may not be much of an issue. “I drive a 2010 Honda Accord and get like 45 miles per gallon,” said junior Lawson Pollard. I, on the other hand, commute 20 minutes to school each day and drive a 2003 Jeep Wrangler which gets around 11 miles per gallon. I find myself at the gas station sometimes twice a week and will definitely feel the effects of the rise. 

   So, why are gas prices rising in the United States? Simply, Russia and Ukraine are in conflict, and Russia rules much of the gas and oil industry. Additionally, we are already in a current state of global and domestic inflation and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine only makes the situation worse. Behind the United States, Russia is the second-largest oil producer in the world. “Experts fear the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could disrupt oil supplies in the region, which would lead to a bump in gas prices,” wrote Brett Molina, USA TODAY. 

   Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, with an aim to overthrow Ukraine’s democratically elected government. As of February 27th, Russia has taken control over parts of southern, eastern, and northern Ukraine, with hopes to capture Kyiv (Ukraine’s capital).

   “Earlier in February, JPMorgan analysts projected that disruptions to oil flows from Russia could push oil prices to $120 per barrel. (For context, oil was priced in the $60 per barrel range a year ago, and started 2020 in the $70s and $80s.) Oil has already jumped abo$100 a barrel, the first time it’s done so since 2014, though it’s since come back down,” wrote Emily Stewart, Vox. 

   Crude oil from Russia is used for products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. We have no way of knowing for sure what will happen but many economists have made their predictions. “With some experts warning that costs could jump to $5 per gallon or higher in the coming months,” writes Thomas Barrabi, New York Post.

   In Raleigh, people are already racing to the pumps to get the cheapest gas. On Friday, February 25th, I had to wait in line at the Shell gas station on Lake Boone Trail in order to fill up my car. “The national average of a gallon of gasoline could hit $3.75 within the next two weeks,” wrote Barrabi. In order to find the lowest gas prices in Raleigh, you can visit GasBuddy.com.