Dealing with Rising Gas Prices in Western Montana

Missoula, MT, June 6 -- Yesterday gas prices reached a new high here in the western Montana city of Missoula in the year's oil-related figure climb. As I drove past a gas station in a rare use of my gas-guzzling car, my eyeballs just about popped out of my skull in shock -- gas was running nearly $3.90 US per gallon. With the way the American economy has been progressing, I would not feel overly surprised to see oil prices exceed $4.00 US per gallon before the end of next week.

Why is gas continuing to increase so drastically in price? That is certainly the question that is on everyone's lips across the nation. On Friday, May 31, crude oil prices drew close to record figures, approaching $135.00 US per barrel. As reported by AFP, this rise in petrol's price is not unrelated to the fact that new statistics demonstrating how the US unemployment soared to 5.5% last month were recently released. According to data the US Labor Department reported at the end of last week, this is the steepest increase in unemployment rates in twenty years. The fact that 49,000 Americans lost jobs in May -- almost twice the amount shed in April -- weakens the US dollar, making it thriftier for foreign buyers to purchase crude oil and so lifting demand.

As oil prices rise higher and higher without much sign of slowing any time soon, what are some measures consumers can take to help alleviate this additional stress on the wallet? The obvious answer is to use cut gas usage. This, however, is often easier said than done. When deprived of the convenience of a personal vehicle, seemingly insignificant details in the day -- such as the impact of the weather, what things to pack for the day and how to pack them, and how to ensure a timely arrival at work -- suddenly become much trickier issues. With just a little extra planning, though, anyone can become more comfortable with leaving his or her car in the garage.

There are many transportation alternatives to an automobile that can save consumers money, especially in light of the ongoing gas price hikes. These options are not only cost efficient, but also often healthier for the environment, the individual consumer, or both. Instead of making the trek to work alone, try carpooling with coworkers or friends traveling to a similar destination. One tank of gas split between four or five people is far more economic than four people each using four tanks to travel to the same location.

If carpooling is not an option, check out the local mass transportation system. Metropolitan areas as well as cities and busy suburbs often at least have a public bus in place, if not a system of trains and subways as well. Even Missoula, a relatively small and contained city, offers the Mountain Line system of bus routes in addition to a Greyhound Bus depot, a train station, and a small airport for out-of-town trips. Missoula's Karl Tyler Chevrolet, a local Chevrolet dealer, is even sponsoring Free Fare Fridays to promote the Mountain Line as well as help residents save gas and some money.

For more active individuals, a bicycle is a great way to get around town. This, in fact, is my personal preferred mode of transportation. Not only does biking save money and help reduce air pollution, but it's a great way to fit additional exercise into the day. Missoula is a wonderful place for bikers as the city boasts a thorough system of bicycle routes and lanes. Walking is a final, if somewhat slower, option. However, a thirty-minute walking commute twice daily means that the the individual who chooses to travel on foot has his or her recommended amount of exercise built into each day. Leery of biking or walking? Don't be -- it's healthy for both the environment and the human body, a wonderful way to get out in the fresh air, and also offers an excellent time for personal reflection or to listen to a favorite podcast or audio book. Be sure to pack weather-appropriate clothing, such as a good rain jacket, and enjoy the trek.

Gas is expensive, including in my western Montana home of Missoula. Unfortunately, the ever-steepening rise in prices does not show any sign of slackening in the near future. As the weather warms in anticipation of the impending season change, however, the pricey oil offers commuters an opportunity to try out new forms of transportation, including alternatives like biking and walking that are healthy as well as economically efficient. So don't fear the climbing costs of petrol. Instead, take to the streets by bus, train, foot, bicycle, or carpool.

"Oil prices rocket close to record heights near 135 dollars." AFP.