By Audrey Tolland
Round Table reporter
Conflicts in the Middle East have recently begun to consume the news. The chaos has brought awareness and concern to Middletown High School students, and has started to impact drivers as well.
The issues that first took place in Tunisia, by a human sacrifice, have led to a whole revolution sweeping the Middle-East in countries such as Egypt, Libya, and Saudi Arabia. The movement is an effort to try to overthrow middle-eastern governments in hopes for democracy.
However, with the revolution beginning to influence Saudi Arabia, prices for oil are beginning to take a turn for the worst.
The average gasoline price, for February, in the east-coast was roughly $3.18, a significant rise from last year’s reported cost of $2.65.
CNN news says that gasoline prices could be pushed to $4 a gallon by summer, in some parts of the country.
Local Middletown BP Amoco gas station, located on Main Street, is currently at a $3.53 rate for regular gasoline.
People are beginning to take a stand to this ‘crisis’ including Middletown High School students, by adhering to the “No Gas Day,” organization started on Facebook.
The purpose of the event was not designed to just fill up your gas tank the day before the event, but to use alternative ways for transportation. Some ways being: taking a bus, riding a bike, or carpooling.
North Carolina resident, Sarah Thompson, created the “No Gas Day” Facebook page where she is calling on drivers to avoid all gas stations on March 31. As this so-called “strike” swept the internet, it has reached so many people that even some Middletown students and teachers are supporting the cause.
“March 31 I will not buy gas!” said English teacher, Daria Baldovin-Jahrling. “Even besides the fact of the problems in the Middle-East, were getting ripped-off for the prices of gas by gas stations. “
Other students however, like senior Mattie Smith, cannot get on with their everyday tasks giving up their car. “I can’t participate in the No Gas Day but, I would if I could. I just have way too many things to do, and places to go to give up my jeep for a day,” said, Smith.
While some students, feel indifferent about the situation.
MHS senior, Delainey Kendall, shares that she is not a fan of the current gas prices, so to speak, but she doesn’t feel as strongly about it as some people. “Gas prices are sky-rocketing, and I could really go a day without buying gas,” said Kendall.
By filling up the day before the protest, organizers hope oil companies lose millions if not billions of dollars. However, whatever people try to do to fight against this challenge we face, students have different opinions for solutions.
“I really think we should be more open to electric cars, and alternative gas sources,” said Smith.
Smith is not alone in her opinions. “I know there has to be other resources to power cars with or car companies should just start moving on to producing electric cars,” said junior, Brendan Maye.
The gas crisis is not only impacting The Middletown community, but everyone across the nation. Only time will tell if this “No Gas Day” will make a difference, or not.
