I've never understood the thing about gas costs. It is oft complained about. And while it always seems to be a point of contention, a quick google search suggests the cost is ≈$200/mo on average¹. Rent and healthcare vastly outstrip that; groceries is more but not by as significant a factor.

It is a commodity product and the price is everywhere you go. It's just a low effort topic to talk about, like the weather or the local sports team