Rising gas, oil, and grocery prices as well as potential protests are expected as the military campaign in Iran continues
After weeks of negotiations, the United States launched a military campaign against Iran in late February. Fremont residents are preparing for economic disruptions like skyrocketing gas prices and potential protests.
The most immediate impact locals are experiencing is at the gas pump. According to the San Francisco Chronicle and PBS News, gas prices have surged about 60 cents in the past few weeks in California—some Bay Area gas stations now exceed $5.34 per gallon. Mr. Peffer, an AP Government/Economics and AP US History teacher, said, “The mid-grade gas is over $5 in most places, and premium gas is well over $5.”
The situation is expected to worsen. According to CNBC, the price of oil has increased over 4 percent as of March 11th due to disrupted trade in the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for global oil and fuel supply. “With the cost of crude oil going up, the oil companies see it as a chance to increase prices,” said Mr. Peffer. “There’s no reason why gas prices had to rise as quickly as they did, but the companies will take advantage of that.”
Rising costs beyond gas prices can also be anticipated. Mr. Kaeding, an AP World History and AP US History teacher, said, “We can expect grocery prices to go up. Similar to the supply chain shocks in the pandemic era, we’re going to see a shortage of supplies.”
Due to the controversial military campaign against Iran, some locals anticipate increased political activism. “[Iran has] a divisive government. And there are people in the Iranian diaspora who hate this government and want to see it collapse,” Mr. Kaeding said. “So, there are people who are going to protest these attacks.”
While Fremont has not yet seen large-scale demonstrations against the war, some students foresee protests if escalation continues. Pranathi Kande (11), a student who is tracking the conflict, said, “I feel like because we are a county that is very left-leaning, I believe protests will happen, and if they do happen in Fremont, I would be open to going.”
Local governments can show their stance on the conflict. “There are cities in the Bay Area that would traditionally vote for an ordinance about investing in certain companies to show their displeasure, but I don’t see that for Fremont,” said Mr. Peffer. “Maybe cities like Berkeley, Oakland, or San Francisco would issue an ordinance against it, but the majority of the Bay Area is not going to.”
However, if the conflict drags on and prices continue to rise, local government intervention may be necessary. Mr. Kaeding said, “Governments might be able to respond by trying to encourage alternative transportation, food banks, or economic relief.”
Given the Bay Area’s large Iranian population, help and outreach could be a potential priority for local governments. “It would be good for [our city] to give support to their communities,” said Kande.
Students can express their views about the conflict in several ways. Mr. Kaeding recommended reaching out to elected representatives. “People could put pressure on our government by reaching out to their congressperson or their leadership and pressing the issue of our government engaging in a conflict without the people’s permission or congressional permission,” he said.
Many students value staying informed as the situation develops. “The best thing individuals can do is continue to be educated, stay up to date with the news, and make sure that you understand where your values lie,” Kande said.
Eagle Era 
Leave a comment