Home California AAA: Costly Spring Gas Price Spike Coming to a Pump Near You

AAA: Costly Spring Gas Price Spike Coming to a Pump Near You

by ECT

According to the latest from AAA, they are anticipating gas prices to be as much as 40-cents higher this spring and likely to change driving habits for drivers.

Nationally, AAA forecasts the national gas price average will be as much as $2.70/gallon this spring – a costly pump price Americans have not paid since summer of 2015 when prices hit $2.81.

A new AAA survey found the vast majority of consumers would change their driving habits or lifestyle to offset higher gas prices. One in four say they would start making changes at $2.75, while 40 percent say $3.00 is their tipping point. Changes consumers said they would make include combining errands or trips (79%), driving less (73%), reducing shopping or dining out (61%), delaying major purchases (50%) and driving more fuel-efficient vehicles (46%).

AAA does not expect the national gas price to be reminiscent of 2011-2014, when motorists were paying on average $3.47/gallon. While some states, like California, may see $4/gallon, it will be temporary.

“Motorists will start to see gas prices make their spring spike in early April. That is when refinery maintenance is expected to be wrapped-up and the switchover to more expensive summer-blend gasoline kicks in along with warmer weather and typical demand increases,” added Casselano. “Consumers can expect prices to likely increase throughout April, May and into the start of summer.”

Fuel Savings Tips for Consumers

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s American Driving Survey, on average Americans drive 32 miles a day and spend 51 minutes behind the wheel. AAA offers a few ways to conserve fuel:

  • Slow down. The faster you drive the more fuel you use. Every 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.18 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy.
  • Share work or school rides by carpooling or consider public transportation.
  • Do not use your trunk for storage. The heavier your car, the more fuel it uses.
  • Combine errands. If possible, park in a central spot and walk from place to place.

Source:
http://gasprices.aaa.com/q1-gas-price-report-2018/

 

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5 comments

Hadenough Mar 1, 2018 - 9:26 am

The United States is producing more oil right now than any other country! We were told that we needed fracking for oil independence and lower gas prices? B.S. lt’s Time to remove oil from the Futures Market! And stop giving subsidies to Oil Companies! Stop voting party lines and and the old guard! Time for new blood!

Melanie Mar 1, 2018 - 10:44 am

Not looking forward to higher gas prices, but I pay what I have to pay. We don’t have any choice – except looking for a good deal, or not driving.

Renee Mar 1, 2018 - 12:18 pm

Or throwing, yes throwing the liberal left out of office. It’s because of them directly that we have the highest fuel costs in the country right here in California. Start with John Gioia (Contra Costa County Supervisor who sits on air boards and operates behind closed doors) and add in Jim Frazier who sold us all down the river by starting the soon to be repealed Gas Tax. Didn’t think we would catch that one Jimmy? Think again.

Votes matter.

Melanie Mar 1, 2018 - 12:33 pm

I’m not a liberal (or a conservative) but throwing liberals out of office in CA is like trying to throw an alcoholic out of a bar. CA is a liberal state, and liberals outnumber moderates and conservatives, especially the latter. Good luck with that.

Gail Mar 1, 2018 - 11:29 pm

If California is so liberal, why do we have so many homeless? It’s an oligarchy ruled by the rich just like anywhere else.

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