With the colder weather this week, your pump bill may have gone up. (iStock)
Gas prices rose slightly this week as arctic winter weather affected gas production across the country, according to AAA.
AAA said the national average cost of a gallon of gasoline rose 2 cents from last week to $3.09, reflecting a slowdown in refining operations and gasoline distribution. statement. As a result, pump prices are rising in some extremely cold regions. Although prices are generally stable, strong demand and fluctuations in oil prices could put upward pressure on what consumers pay.
“Typically, June and July are the highest months for gas prices, then December and January are the lowest,” said AAA spokesman Andrew Gross. “And this pattern is here to stay. The national average for gasoline will likely maintain this slow fluctuation at higher levels for the next week or two.”
If you want to reduce your overall car costs, consider switching car insurance companies. When you visit Credible, you can compare quotes from different companies without affecting your credit score.
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Pump prices in these states have been hit the hardest
Prices did not increase in all states. Prices have fallen significantly in some states. The following 10 states saw the largest price changes at the pump:
- Ohio (+23 cents)
- Illinois (+18 cents)
- Indiana (+16 cents)
- Michigan (+10 cents)
- Florida (-9 cents)
- California (−9 cents)
- Arizona (-9 cents)
- Wisconsin (+8 cents)
- Kentucky (+7 cents)
- Idaho (-7 cents).
Drivers in these states paid the lowest prices at the pump.
- Oklahoma ($2.60)
- Kansas ($2.64)
- Arkansas ($2.64)
- Missouri ($2.66)
- Mississippi ($2.67)
- Texas ($2.68)
- Colorado ($2.70)
- Wyoming ($2.71)
- Tennessee ($2.71)
- Iowa ($2.73)
Getting cheaper car insurance is another way drivers can reduce the cost of car ownership. If you want to save money on your car, consider changing your car insurance company. Visit Credible to find the premium that's right for you without affecting your credit score.
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Gasoline prices will fall in 2024
According to GasBuddy2024 Fuel, gas prices have steadily declined into 2023 after averaging more than $5 per gallon the previous year. Outlook. Further relief is expected in 2024.
“Average gasoline prices next year are expected to be in the range of $3 to $3.50 per gallon in most parts of the country, with the national average expected to reach $3.38 per gallon,” GasBuddy said. “This means that, barring major supply disruptions or economic shocks, we could be down 4% from the 2023 average.”
Drivers can generate more savings by optimizing their vehicles for gasoline consumption. Here are some common mistakes drivers make that reduce fuel efficiency.
Inflate your tires properly
Keeping your tires properly inflated can prevent damage to your car and improve fuel efficiency. One way he ensures this is by checking tire pressure regularly.US Department of Energy has been proven Low tire pressure will reduce fuel efficiency. For every 1 psi unit of tire pressure, you can expect your fuel economy to decrease by 0.2%.
carry lighter loads
The weight of your car can also have a big impact on your gas bill. The heavier the car, the more energy it takes to move it. It can also reduce a car's rolling resistance, the force created by friction as the car's wheels roll on the road. Lighten the load you're carrying so you can move your vehicle with less force.
Practice stable driving
Bad driving habits such as driving too quickly or slowing down can reduce highway fuel economy by about 15% to 30%. According to the US Department of Energy. By driving smarter, drivers can save between $0.38 and $1.53 per gallon.
Another way to lower your overall cost of car ownership is to reduce your monthly premiums by purchasing cheaper car insurance. Visit Credible to compare options without affecting your credit score.
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