Prices at the pump have continued to rise this week, causing a change in consumers’ wallets and plans.

Prices in Ames are as high as $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, according to www.automotive.com.

Wednesday saw prices in the $3.06-per-gallon range in Ames and Des Moines and since then prices have continued to go up. Soon, gas prices could top the record set after Hurricane Katrina hit in September 2005.

Crude oil, taxes, refining, marketing and distribution are the key components that make up the price of gas. Crude oil currently is sold for $60 to $70 a barrel, and makes up for about half the price per gallon consumers pay. The other half is split fairly equally between the other components.

Currently, refineries are also part of the high gas prices. Because of difficulties in refining facilities, such as a fire in an Oklahoma refinery, the production of gas is not keeping up with the growing demand often found in the summer, causing gas prices to spike.

With higher transportation costs come many problems for consumers and businesses everywhere. The higher gas prices have even caused some motorists to reconsider their travel plans.

Rhonda Huff, a stay-at-home mother in Ames, had plans to travel to Tennessee in early June to visit family. High gas prices made her reconsider.

“Not knowing where the gas prices were going to be at that time, I decided to cancel,” she said.

Huff said she sold her Chevrolet Tahoe about five months ago because it guzzled too much gas.

Along with angered, working adults, the high gas prices are also getting to students. Various groups have been created on FaceBook with titles such as “A group for those who are getting sick of gas prices,” “Americans against high gas prices,” and even “Why do I have to sell my organs to pay for gas?” Some students look to participate in efforts nationwide to not buy gas on May 15, hoping to stop high gas prices.

According to www.fueleconomy.gov, there are ways for consumers to save money. By driving at lower speeds, avoiding aggressive braking, keeping your car in shape, planning or combining trips, or perhaps even purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle, gas expenditures can be limited.

Some consumers can’t escape the horrors of high gas. Perhaps some of the hardest hit gas consumers are livestock owners and independent truck drivers who travel all over Iowa or out of state.

Rick Reed, a livestock hauler from Zearing, and his workers are currently running 12 semis a day across Iowa and to other surrounding states. Reed said each semi is going through 200 gallons a day. When comparing lower gas prices before they passed the $3 mark to the current price, he figures he is spending $1,000 more a week on gas alone.

“I would say about one-fourth of the money we get goes back to gas,” he said.

Like Reed, a lot of people are watching their money slip away at the pumps. However, high gas prices can be good for Iowa farmers. Dermot Hayes, professor of economics, said there is a positive side to high gas prices. With higher ethanol prices, farmers are seeing higher corn prices. He said land is becoming more and more valuable and the country is more dependent on farmers.

“Iowa farmers have become a major energy source,” he said.

For a national perspective, including a look at relevant proposed legislation, check out this AP story.

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