Get ready for record-breaking fuel prices
Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and the oil companies will be celebrating as gas prices hit record highs for this traditionally heavily-traveled weekend. As of today, the national average price for a gallon of regular is $3.23, up 37 cents from a month ago. (Here in California, we'd love to be paying that little -- our average is around $3.45.) Nevertheless, Americans aren't curbing their travel habits; forecasts are that we will just suck it up and drive as much as we usually do. (Not me; I'm staying home this weekend.)
If you're going to travel, my best advice is to slow down -- you can save a lot of fuel by driving at the speed limit rather than 5 or 10 over. Also, check your tire pressures before you leave (while the tires are still cold); low air pressure increases rolling resistance and uses more fuel. For more on saving fuel, check out my list of ten fuel-saving tips -- and remember to drive carefully and stay safe out there! -- Aaron Gold
Comments
Hi Aaron. You stay safe too.
Like everyone else I’d like to pay less than more for gasoline but let’s face it. We have more people living here, food prices are higher than ever, stock market is hitting highs all the time. The economy is good and unemployment is low. To expect that fuel prices would be less is just foolish. People are not curbing fule consumption and adding more people and drivers certainly won’t help the situation.
I’m home for the entire weekend working on yard projects but not because of high fuel costs. I do have to admit that I’ve held off driving across the city unless I have several errands I can combine.
Be safe everyone and I want to say how much I honor and respect those who have served and died in the military to give me the opportunity to speak and live in the greatest country on earth.
c
Pure politics. The govrenment just wants more ana more of you’er cash so you can’t afford to have any fun.
Forget the price. I’m forecasting gas will be rationed within 10 years. Most vehicles on road will be commercial and delivery. We’ll save our ration for pleasure.
Geoff,
Interesting comment and I admit I’ve never even thought that way but it’s a possibility if alternative fuels or energy are not developed. Fortunately necessity is the mother of invention and I think we may be approaching necessity.
c
Gas prices might be equal to the all-time inflation adjusted prices, but think about this. To really be paying the same price for gas as we did at the peak back in the 80s you also have to take into consideration fuel economy. So yes, the price is equal to the all-time high now, but today the average sedan goes twice as far on a gallon of gas. My Saab gets 30mpg average driving and it was probably around 15 back then. If that’s true we would need to see gas prices in the $6.50 range to really understand what folks went through in the 80s.
Aaron: What do you think about the 4 stroke little mopeds or motorcycles? I would buy one to run errands if I could find one with three wheels as my 83 yr old body tipples at times! Any comments? Do you know of anyone making a little 3 wheeled moped/cycle?
Willie Joe — best to ask on the forums at About.com’s Motorcycles site - http://motorcycles.about.com.
3-wheeled… see the T-REX:
http://www.go-t-rex.com/
(usu $35k+)
The gas stations in Chicago are charging nowhere near the national average. My non-scientific survery would put the overall city of Chicago average closer to $3.75. In fact, I have a BP station just 3 blocks away charging over $4.00–for regular! I just returned from a week vacation in Ft. Lauderdale and the average there was about $3.15. Why such HUGE variability?
Google “chicago gasoline prices” and there’s a lot of info as to why your prices are high right now.
It’s supply and demand. Chicago has been mandated to use a special formulated gasoline to minimize pollution and only a handful of refineries in the midwest can accommodate your needs. Plus, a fire at an Indiana refinery has decreased your supply.
This link explains quite a bit too: http://www.heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ed032405a.cfm
c
Thanks Chuck. Second City no longer! Now #1 in the US!
Alas Mike, that is the hellish price of pennance you must pay for deciding to stay and live in such a hellishly miserable,cold and windy place…and yes my friend, I do live in Ft. Lauderdale and just paid $3.03 moments ago at Racetrac Fuels.
Hi Jim. Photos i received. Thanks