There’s no hiding the recent decline in gas prices. With stations only charging around $1.76, we have reached some of the lowest prices in history. Last time that gas was this low was back in 2008.

You can see from the chart below that increases and decreases are shared all over the country. Bigger areas have bigger prices, but they keep to the same trend.

When asked about how this has been happening, Mrs. Huskey, the librarian, said, “You know, I’m really not sure. I know it might be bad, but I don’t want to ruin the good mood.”

History teacher, Mr. Wright, figured it might be because of enhanced technology in lower developing countries’ oiling that caused a bigger supply. While this is true, it’s America’s involvement that is really growing.

There are many causes for the fluctuation in the price of gas. Current increase in oil production and decreased demand all around the world has caused the decrease in prices. Most aspects that would have threatened to re-raise prices have caused no problems. The fluctuation of the dollar usually changes the cost of most items, but the functionally stable economy has not been hindered. Hurricanes can also affect the price of oil, which decides 50% of gas price, by damaging oilrigs in the ocean. Hurricane season being over shows very slim aversion of change. Even the events of ISIS and other militants in the Middle East have surprisingly caused no oil crises.

The real source of the price decrease comes from America’s initiative to become self-sufficient on oil. With more industries on American soil, we no longer need to import from other countries. This suddenly higher supply also overpowers the demand, making it even cheaper. While this seems good for Americans, other countries are starting to struggle. Countries whose primary source of revenue is oil have started to fall. Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela all heavily rely on the export of oil to America, the biggest consumer, but now that we don’t have to rely on them, they have lost a major source of income. This could cause poverty and aggravated war.

President Barack Obama was quoted at the 2012 electoral debate saying, “Why was the price of gas $1.87?” referencing the last decline back in 2008, “Because the economy was on the verge of collapse!”

While there are possible negatives to come, Americans should take this calm before the storm and enjoy the low prices. Everyone who stops to fuel up right now will be racking in the savings that they can spend on other necessities or luxuries. So what will you be spending your extra money on?