As the price of crude oil soars to a 14-year high, local residents say that gas prices are starting to follow.

Last week, crude oil prices reached $38.18 per barrel, an increase of 20 percent over six months. The result is the highest crude oil price since Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990.

Yesterday, the price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas at Sheetz, 1781 N. Atherton St., was $1.69.

C.J. Leone (senior-exercise science), an employee at Walk's Service Center, 1692 N. Atherton St., said he noticed that business at the gas station has been somewhat slower, possibly because of the increase in gas prices.

"People still have to fill up and stuff, but there has definitely been a slight decrease. However, overall, our sales have remained steady," Leone said.

Many gas prices in State College are lower than the national average of $1.72.

"Around here, all the prices are the same," said Nicole Kilmer, an employee at Choice Cigarette Discount Outlet, 2110 N. Atherton St. "The customers really don't complain, and we haven't seen a difference in sales."

The price of crude oil accounts for over half the cost of gasoline, and it is expected to raise next month's gasoline prices by at least 3 percent to a national average of $1.83 per gallon.

Russell P. Chuderewicz, senior lecturer of economics, said oil prices have increased because of a stronger demand, the global economy and the approach of summer. The summer driving season increases demand as vacationers travel.

However, not everyone will change their travel plans because of the increase in gas prices. "I'm going to drive as little as possible, but [the gas prices] are not going to affect my plans for vacation like people have been saying," Rob Schiffbauer (sophomore-kinesiology) said. "I'm still going to take my annual trip to the beach."

Chuderewicz said the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) follows a set rule to determine the price and production of crude oil.

"There is a window of crude oil price. [It] should fall between $22 and $28, and everything is fine. If the price is higher, then oil is too scarce, and they increase production. Below $22, they will cut back. They're not following that at all because oil is $38 a barrel, $10 above the maximum price," Chuderewicz said.

Other factors are influencing the soaring prices, as Venezuela, the fourth-leading oil exporter is experiencing political turmoil.

"The government has a heavy hand in the oil business, and the private entrepreneurs want to do what they want to do ... so it creates an uncertainty [in the oil industry]," Chuderewicz said.

The recent terror attacks in Madrid, Spain, also have created an uncertainty within the industry, he said.