Inflation has passed eight percent, the highest recorded in the United States since the 1980’s and even higher globally. Many have blamed the pandemic and government spending for the crisis. Recently the Inflation Reduction Act was passed aimed at cutting inflation.

However, the inflation rate continues to rise across most sectors of the economy, while students, parents, and teachers continue to suffer, many have blamed overseas conflicts.

“[The] war in Ukraine with Russia [is a big issue],” junior Shaun Casaus said. “They are a big supply of certain things.” 

While inflation affects the supply chains harshly, its biggest effect is on gas prices. Gas prices have risen nearly 25 percent in the past year. In response, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus (OPEC+)  is set to cut production by two million barrels a day which will make gas prices only rise more.

While inflation affects the transportation industry, it also affects students in trying new hobbies. “A couple of days ago I was buying an amplifier,” senior Sidharth Mallela said. “I remember checking two years ago and it was $180 and now it’s $210.” 

As inflation affects teachers as well as students, many are struggling in visiting the places they normally go to.

“We were going to fly to Portland to go see my daughter a few more times than we are planning now because of the high price of airfare,” Engineering teacher Mr. Michael Collins said. “Now we’re only going to maybe go once or twice, reducing the amount of trips.”

This echoes the average flight ticket price, which has risen over 26 percent this year. Inflation is also affecting the rental and housing market. The average rental price for a one bedroom apartment in the United States has gone up 27 percent. 

Inflation also has the potential to affect things going on inside the classroom. Teachers might be unable to do as many science experiments or other pricey activities.

“As things become more expensive, it makes it a little bit more difficult to get materials for the class,” Collins said. “But typically I get materials a year in advance, so it won’t affect us really, maybe until next year.” 

Traveling around for school field trips has always been a joy for many students, but the status of these trips are in limbo.

“We might be less likely to take field trips because it’s more expensive to use the buses and things like that, but we still try to make things work,” said Collins.

Many policy advisers have discussed moving to natural gas or electric buses, but transitioning might not be easy, due to a chip shortage needed for computers that is already costing the automotive industry $210 billion last year and has only gotten worse. 

While inflation keeps rising, finding solutions to the issue has been proven difficult, while some just go with the flow.

“We can’t have any impact on inflation. That’s not something that we have control over,” said Collins.