When harsh inflation hits, time to adjust

As a native San Diego resident, I am astonished at how high gas prices have climbed as of late. I remember years ago hearing someone say that gas prices “would never go above $5 a gallon.” I am still in shock that after going to the gas pump recently, I was charged a whopping $6.69 a gallon for diesel (I drive a Volkswagen TDI). This brings up another qualm of mine: Diesel used to most always be cheaper than gas. How has it gotten to the point where it is more expensive now?

As of Feb. 22, the average price for a gallon of diesel in the U.S was $4.03 per gallon. Within one month’s time, this took a sharp spike up to $5.11 per gallon. This price has been steadily rising for months, and there seems to be no end in sight (anytime soon — in my opinion).

The sad part in terms of inflation is that San Diego has been hit hard already (for example, housing prices) and this new hike in gas prices is just another reason to make someone want to move out of state. Affordability in general has most definitely bitten the dust, and this has been a huge issue in San Diego for decades now.

I understand that inflation happens as a consequence of war, however, I just feel like everyone has been hit so hard recently with prices spiking in most every avenue that living is more challenging for just about everyone.

Just the other day a trip to my local Grocery Outlet conjured a flat of organic eggs that used to be $5.99 priced over $10. I was in disbelief and I still am as to how inflation has affected every facet of life these days.

So how does this extreme inflation bring a damper to my summer plans, you ask? Firstly, I will be flying to my family members’ gathering in Northern California next month instead of driving, for multiple reasons (gas prices being a main one). If I do end up heading out to Palm Springs, I will indeed be taking my fiance’s Chevrolet Volt (to cut down on the price of gas).

Ultimately, I have been and will be more conscious of my day-to-day travels, limiting trips up to North County (as these will not be happening if not entirely necessary). As of late, I utilize my drive back home from work to run errands on the way, in order to save on fuel.

Ultimately, I feel like every San Diegan or U.S. resident is feeling this new wave of