War talk is turning into sticker shock at the gas pump. Gas attendants are brushing the dust off the plastic $2 signs coming out of storage at service stations around the southland and the state.

California motorists paid an average of $1.862 a gallon Tuesday for self-serve regular gasoline, up 11 cents since Feb. 10, according to a weekly survey by the U.S. Energy Department that was delayed by one day this week by the Presidents Day holiday.

“Its really difficult.” Michael Skiba a computer Programming major said in response to the rocketing gas prices “Soon I might have to find another way to school because it’s just too much.” His sentiments are echoed by many other Cerritos College students and faculty.

The highest average in the state is found in San Francisco, were the average hit $1.963 a gallon, up 11.9 cents. Tuesday’s average in Los Angeles was $1.836 a gallon 12.7 cents higher, according to the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the Energy Department.

A survey by AAA found even higher prices in California on Tuesday: $2.45 a gallon in San Francisco and $1.853 a gallon in Los Angeles. Nationwide, the average rose to $1.66 a gallon from $1.607 a week ago. Crude oil and gasoline inventories have been depleted by the loss of imports from Venezuela, and oil prices have been further boosted by market fears that a military action against Iraq would disrupt oil supplies from Persian Gulf countries, analysts have said.

On a positive note, even though the average price in San Francisco was $2.14 a gallon on May 31, 2001, and $2.036 in Los Angeles on May 25, 2001, the California average never passed $2 on the EIA survey, peaking at $1.954 on May 14, 2001 in this peak two years ago.

There are a number of alternatives to consider if prices continue to rise. Necessities such as getting to work will be much easier if you carpool to work and save your money. This can also save you wear and tear on your car. Another is Public transportation. This can be a reasonable alternative especially if you go straight to work and back home.

Also, if you live close enough to your work or to your school, try getting there on foot or on a bike. This will not only save you money, but this also might make you healthier.

With the possibility of war looming around the bend, conflict with oil vending countries is sure to allow no relief in sight for motorists.