It’s a new year with high hopes and low gas prices.
As of press time, the average price of gas in Gainesville was $1.96, which is $1.75 less than when it soared near the end of April 2014, according to the GasBuddy website.
Shreyas Amol Jethwani, a 19-year-old UF French and political science freshman, drives a Nissan Altima. Jethwani’s car gets up to 28 miles per gallon, and gas prices are making it easier for him to see family.
“I drive from here to Ocala twice a week, so gas is very important to me,” Jethwani said.
Besides cheaper travel, falling gas prices could lead to savings elsewhere, Derek Farnsworth, an assistant professor in UF’s Food and Resource Economics Department, said.
“Everything runs off gas, so it should make most products cheaper,” Farnsworth said.
At its peak, Gainesville gas prices were about $4 in 2008. At its lowest, the price of local gas was about $1.71 in 2009, according to the website.
While Jethwani appreciates saving money, he has concerns about how these prices may affect the demand for energy-efficient cars.
“Back around 2000 to 2004, everyone had big SUVs and Land Rovers: gas-guzzlers,” Jethwani said. “But then the market for green cars exploded because gas prices were so high. I’m just worried that low prices might cause a lull in the demand for green cars.”
Despite his doubts, Jethwani still has to make the drive to Ocala, enjoying lower prices all the way.
“What a time to be a driver,” he said. “Thanks, Obama.”
