The official start of summer is just weeks away and along with sweltering heat, cookouts, and hours by the pool, students can expect higher prices at the gas pumps.

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.97, an increase from June 2007 when the average was $3.16 according to fuelguagereport.com. Georgia ranks just below the national average at $3.94 a gallon and most locations charge slightly over $4 in Athens.

“In high school I used to fill up my tank for $15 and now it’s $30 just to fill my tank half way,” Sarah Stanley, a junior from Dublin, said. “It has been a financial crunch and I think it is ridiculous.”

According to the Energy Information Administra-tion’s Web site, gas prices are at record highs due to the “high demand for crude oil relative to supply.” Crude oil, which is unrefined petroleum, accounts for nearly seventy percent of the prices at gas stations, the site states.

Observing the speed limit, removing excess weight, using cruise control and overdrive gears, keeping tires properly inflated, replacing air filters regularly and planning combining trips, are all ways to achieve more mpg, according to fueleconomy.gov.

“I ride the Athens bus to lower my gas expenses and it has helped me a lot. You can ride the bus pretty much anywhere, so why not ride it,” Stanley said.

The increase in gas also extends beyond the pump as the price of food and airline tickets rises to adjust to the increase in prices of jet fuel.

Customers purchasing tickets on American Airlines after June 15 will pay $15 for checking one bag, whereas charges typically only apply for a second bag.

University students can also expect a slight increase in the transportation fee for the fall semester.

“We requested a fee increase for fall 2008 last year and the biggest contributor to the request was fuel costs,” Ron Hamlin, campus transit manager, said. “The new transportation fee will be $95 as opposed to the $90 from last year.”

Siphoning thefts have increased with higher gas prices, and as a result sales of gas cap locks have increased. Designed similar to regular caps, they require a key to be opened before gas can be pumped.

“Anything you can do to help keep your car safe is good, especially as gas prices continue to rise,” University Police Lt. Lisa Boone said in a telephone interview Monday. “Students should be cognizant and conscious of their gas gauge, especially for students who live off campus.”

Boone said there have not been any reports of siphoning on campus but said, “Don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security.”