The extra large gaping hole in your wallet this month could be from that expensive Valentine’s Day present, that new pair of shoes, or perhaps the incredibly fast increase of gas prices.

As of March 3 the national average for a gallon of unleaded gas was $3.43, a 30 cent increase from just 15 days before. This sudden spike in gas prices could easily be traced to the problems in Libya. However, Libya only produces less than 2% of the US oil. So if Libya is such a minor contributor to the importation of United States oil how has it had such a great impact?

CNN Analyst John Hofmeister explains how it’s not Libya that’s the real problem, it’s the uncertainty of the seven other countries surrounding Libya. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, which combined account for almost 20% of U.S. oil, could possibly fall into the complications and turmoil of the Middle East. If that were to happen, prices would skyrocket to unreal numbers. Gas companies have to prepare for the worst, so they raise the prices to be sure they’ll be able to pay off their next truck of gas.

Many times we don’t feel the complications of foreign countries at home, but this time each of us can feel the effect. With gas being a necessity to every American, it’s hard to cut back on the use of it.

“ I have to really watch my gas now,” said senior Nick Lucchesi. “I concentrate on not pushing the gas pedal so much so that my tank of gas can last longer.”

Carpooling to school or after school activities have become more of a common occurrence. Students don’t want to drive and see their tank plummet everyday, so they take turns driving.

“ I try to give people rides or catch rides  with them more often because I hate seeing my tank go down. It really takes up a lot of my money,” said senior David Jo.

For those students who must pay for their own gas, this increase is a cause for concern. Teenagers can rarely find jobs that pay above minimum wage, if they even have a job to start with. Even the students whose parents foot the gas bill are being instructed to use less in an effort to save money.

Last week, on CNN asked citizens to call in and one person said how “back in the day,” Americans wouldn’t have put up with these ridiculous gas prices. They would’ve taken matters into their hands and would’ve protested or done something to make their voices heard. To protest a necessity such as gas seems a little out of the question, but it’s agreed that something needs to be done.

“They say that prices are going to be over $4.00 by the summer,” said Jo. “If that’s the case, I’m definitely going to spend more time at home then running around town.”