Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait is costing everyone at the pump – including NIU.

However, there is no reason to be alarmed, said Patricia Hewitt, associate vice president of NIU’s Business and Operations.

While NIU is “paying more than was originally budgeted for” it is “not running out” of gas money, she said.

NIU is spending more on gas but this year’s budget was “increased in anticipation of inflation,” said Transportation Manager Bill Finucane.

It’s that anticipation that should keep enough gas money in the kitty so NIU doesn’t have to dip into other funds to get around.

Service cuts would be unlikely because it would “have a big impact on the university,” Finucane said.

Hewitt said if cuts have to be made, they will be minor and NIU simply would cut back on its expenses.

“If you have to pay more for gas, then you cut back somewhere else,” Hewitt said.

This year $138,000 was budgeted for gas compared to $115,000 last year, Finucane said. NIU buys in bulk for the entire year, he said.

Last year NIU used 107,000 gallons of gas. It remained within its budget and had funds left over, Finucane said.

He said last year NIU paid 73 cents per gallon. This year NIU is paying $1.10 per gallon.

“Even if gas prices stay at the highest (amount), NIU still would be able to get through as long as usage didn’t increase significantly,” Finucane said.

If cuts have to be made, the most likely area would be equipment, Finucane said. “NIU would buy one or two less cars,” he said.

Also helping to offset gas prices are discounts on the gas NIU buys, Hewitt said. NIU cars get good gas mileage also, she said.

She said the transportation department leases out vehicles for NIU and related activities uses. All vehicles are purchased through the department, but some are permanently assigned to divisions of NIU, such as the garbage trucks which are assigned to the Physical Plant.

Even if the vehicles are assigned elsewhere they might still receive gas at the department’s facilities.