No End in Sight for Rising Gas Prices

For the third straight week, prices at the pump have gone up, and drivers see no end in sight. Yesterday the price at the pump increased 20 cents per gallon from $3.79 to $3.99 per gallon. The week before, it was up 14 cents.

AAA says the increase is primarily due to the high cost of crude oil, which was hovering near $100 a barrel last week and is now closing in on $110. The national average is now just a penny less than the record high set on March 11.

In an effort to help consumers save at the pump, AAA offers readers a suggestion: just go buy an electric vehicle.

“For those in the market for a new ride, one way to end the pain at the pump may be to dump the pump,” says Public Relations Manager Andrew Gross. “In the latest online AAA Car Guide, all category winners for 2022 are electric or electric hybrid vehicles.”

Unfortunately, the majority of Americans can’t just go out and lay down the cash for a brand new electric vehicle. However here are some real tactics from The Penny Hoarder that drivers can do to save money on gas as they grin and bear it at the pumps:

Join a Fuel Rewards Program: Many gas station chains and grocery stores offer fuel rewards programs to try to turn you into a loyal customer. Each gas station fuel rewards program has its own set of rules on how much you can save and what you have to spend in order to get the rewards, so read up on the details.

Use a Rewards Credit Card: When you fuel up, choose a credit card that pays you cash back or one that allows you to earn rewards points when you purchase gas. Just be sure you know what you’re getting into before opening a rewards credit card. Pay the fuel charges off in full each month so you’re not paying interest on your gas purchases.

Fill Up Early in the Week: According to a 2019 GasBuddy gas price analysis, gas prices tend to be the lowest on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you’re looking to buy cheap gas, avoid filling your tank on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, when gas prices tend to be the most expensive.

Change Your Driving Habits: Carpool to work or school with friends; combine multiple stops like going to the grocery store, doctor, pick up kids into one trip instead of driving back home between stops; accelerate slowly and coast to a stop; reduce the use of heat or a/c systems; avoid idling for long periods to wait for passengers or adjusting navigation; check for ways on your vehicle to save on gas like getting rid of excess cargo and weight and keeping the proper air pressure in your tires.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story