Rising Gas Prices Force Rival Gangs to Carpool for Drive-bys

Inflation’s Impacts Crossing Numerous Economic Sectors

Photo by GG on Unsplash

(Los Angeles) Citing a recent dramatic spike in gas prices, leaders of several Los Angeles Crips and Bloods sets say they will now share rides for some gang related activities, including drive-bys, another indication of the effects of inflation across many levels of the U.S. economy.

“We might not follow the law in many cases, but we are subject to economic laws just like everyone else,” said Leeron ‘Li’l Money’ Waters, Chief Economic Advisor of The Crips, a prominent Los Angeles gang.

“Affordability is real; the struggle is real,” said one Bloods member on the condition of anonymity. “The Straits of Hormuz is real.”

Rival gang leaders said there are times when their interests coincide and carpooling is a great way to keep down costs. “Have you seen the price of ammo for Tec-9s and Mac-10s?” said Waters.

“Adjusted for inflation, we’ve seen a 17 percent increase year over year in operating costs,” Waters added. “Bustin’ a cap in someone’s ass isn’t cheap. You can’t amortize that shit. We either find a way to reduce overhead or we’re laying off personnel.”

Both gangs blamed the Trump administration for the high price of gas and other staples of gang life. “He said he was going to bring down the cost of living for families, but he hasn’t done shit,” complained another unidentified Bloods member.

Inflation hits smaller businesses harder according to James Busfield of the Small Business Administration. “Economies of scale are not always possible for some organizations and fixed costs are hard to reduce otherwise,” Busfield said.

Carpooling is not popular with many members, but they realize it is a necessary evil, at least for now. “We don’t like it, but in these difficult times, you gotta do what you gotta do,” Waters said.

A version of this story first appeared in NewsBiscuit (UK).