Rising oil prices linked to an ongoing conflict are causing gas prices to rise across Southern Nevada, raising expenses for workers, tourists, and grocery shoppers. Lawrence Vierra, who commutes frequently, said gas prices were too high and made it hard to justify filling up. Andrew Woods, director of UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research, said the region is vulnerable in multiple ways, including its large leisure and hospitality workforce and the visitor economy. He warned that hourly workers and many middle-class households are particularly exposed when transportation costs rise on top of already higher prices for other essentials. The rising costs are also increasing the cost of farming and food production, and Southern Nevada's reliance on shipped-in food adds another layer of vulnerability.