Inflation here? gas/grocery prices just continue to climb

I have an employee saying if reguar gas in this area goes over $5 a gallon, he's quitting because he won't be able to afford the gas.
I understand he only makes $17hr. But an extra $40 week seems better than -$550ish a week. I guess I don't understand his math.
I'm sure he's just talking snack, but you can never tell how crazy some people are..

I guess it makes sense if he has a long commute