Hurricane Harvey has caused at least 60 deaths, potentially $200 billion in damages and another thing to groan about at the gas station. The storm passed through Texas, one of the largest oil producers in the United States, during August.

The oil industry took a big hit with Harvey. Many oil rigs were shut down during the high winds and flooding, including the largest refinery in America. Less oil means less gas, which means higher cost.

The price has slightly decreased since the hurricane, but not as much as it rose. “It went up dramatically, it has backed off some,” said Mentzer Oil general manager Cindy Halligan. “The market went up quite a bit more than what you saw on the street. There will be a shortage in inventory.”

Many gas stations have raised their gas prices to continue to make a profit. This could potentially damage the oil industry severely.

The fluctuation in price captured the emotions of many students such as junior Caleb Horne who said, “I don’t think anyone likes to spend money.” That’s exactly why some businesses that rely on oil, such as gas stations, could potentially suffer in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Some more involved students have been hit harder than others by the price increase. “It’s expensive, but there’s not much you can do about it,” said senior Taylin McCreery. “I’m involved in so much, it’s going to be more expensive, so it’ll take a chunk out of my paycheck.”

However, not everybody agrees with McCreery’s statement. “People should use their bikes more often. If you live close enough to school, your job, or the store, just walk there,” said Spanish teacher Sandra Mejia. Riding bikes more is already a way some countries have cut down on oil cost.

High school students might have to prepare for the long haul though, because Halligan said that gas won’t return to pre-hurricane prices in the near future.