How to Save Money Against High Memorial Day Gas Prices
We share with you the easiest practical tips to spend less gasoline during Memorial Day due to the increase in prices in the United States
Going on a trip over Memorial Day weekend can become a much heavier expense this year. As thousands of families in the United States prepare to drive long distances, the price of gasoline continues to put pressure on the wallet, especially for those who use the car every day to work, take children to school or visit relatives.
Currently, the national average for gasoline is around $4.55 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), but specialists warn that prices could rise again as the holiday approaches. This worries many drivers who already face high costs for food, rent and utilities.
“The national average price of gasoline spent much of last week falling slightly after rising earlier in the week, while oil prices softened on hopes of diplomatic progress between the United States and Iran,” explained Patrick De Haan, head of oil analysis at GasBuddy. “However, that optimism disappeared.”
The expert also warned that the market remains very sensitive to any international problem related to oil.
“With global oil reserves remaining at historically tight levels, markets remain extremely sensitive to geopolitical developments and potential supply disruptions,” De Haan said. “With Memorial Day approaching, any sustained increase in oil prices could once again raise gasoline prices.”
According to AAA Auto Club, the national average price rose from $2.98 per gallon on February 28 to more than $4.50 currently. In some states, filling up the tank already costs much more than it did just a few months ago.
The states with the most expensive gasoline
The United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) explains that prices change depending on factors such as state taxes, distance from supply, operating costs and number of available stations.
California tops the list with an average of $6.15 per gallon; Washington follows with $5.77 dollars, Hawaii with $5.63 dollars, Oregon with $5.33 dollars and Alaska with $5.28 dollars.
For many families, especially those who plan to drive for hours to visit loved ones or enjoy a few days off, these prices can add hundreds of dollars to the travel budget.
Five tips to save gasoline before hitting the road
1. Avoid using premium gasoline if your car does not need it
Many people believe that putting premium gas in helps the vehicle's performance, but in most regular cars this makes no difference. If the manufacturer doesn't require it, you could be spending extra money on each tank. It is similar to buying a more expensive product just out of habit, even though the result is practically the same.
Before fueling up, check apps like GasBuddy, Waze, or Google and Apple maps. Many times, a station located just a few blocks away can have considerably lower prices.
For example, if you fill a large tank and save 20 cents per gallon, the savings can be felt quite a bit at the end of the week.
3. Take advantage of supermarket rewards programs
Many supermarkets offer points that can be exchanged for discounts on gasoline. There are families who make normal household purchases and end up getting several dollars off when they fill up with fuel. The important thing is to always use the same account or telephone number to accumulate benefits.
4. Use credit cards with fuel rewards
Some cards offer cash back or points for everyday purchases. Those benefits can then be used for discounts on gas or travel.
If you already use a card to pay for food, services or household purchases, it is worth checking if you can convert those expenses into savings for the tank.
5. Pay in cash when there is a discount
Many stations offer lower prices for those paying cash; Sometimes the difference can be 10 cents or more per gallon.
“It's their way of avoiding card processing fees,” PennyHoarder explained of the cash discounts some gas stations offer.
In addition to these tips, driving calmly also helps, such as avoiding sudden acceleration, checking tire pressure and planning the route well can make the fuel go further during the trip.