The price of fuel has taken a huge jump in the Texas Panhandle. As gas prices have jumped daily, some experts predict this is only the beginning as political instability continues in the Middle East and North Africa.

John Hofmeister, former president of Shell Oil, said to CNN that he predicts we will be paying $5 a gallon by 2012 because of global demand.

The higher gas prices are already affecting food and cotton producers.

”Demand is high with a price increase at $1.70,” Trent Finck, a cotton farmer from Tulia said.

Finck said that the demand for cotton will greatly influence the prices of clothing and other retail products.

“Oil prices affect not only diesel cost, but also chemical and fertilizer costs,” he said.  “[Oil prices] also affect ginning costs due to high electricity costs to run the gin.”

The West Texas Western Store claims to have a 20 percent increase in clothing prices due to the jump in cotton prices.

“The Cinch brand has a 17-20 percent increase in price of denim jean and cotton shirts and will probably increase more than that throughout the year,” Terry Martin, store owner, said. “Instead of buying a cotton shirt for $54.50, consumers will be paying $61.95 a shirt.”

Students at WT are concerned about the increase in food, clothing, and fuel prices and how it will affect them.

“I’m kind of poor so I won’t be able to buy anymore clothes and eat as much good food,” Jessica Bartel,  agricultural communication student, said.