These are uncertain times for the U.S. economy. In the last 12 months, gasoline price increased 38 percent and fuel oil 43.6, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a 6.6 percent and 7.7 percent in February, respectively. On the other hand, the Russian attack on Ukraine is pushing up the price of oil and, therefore, gasoline bill to unimagined boundaries just a few weeks ago.
Given this situation, the biggest losers are, ultimately, consumers.
But, what about Philadelphia? The average value of a gallon of gasoline between November 29, 2021 and March 07, 2022 was $4.09, with a minimum of $3.98 on January 03, 2022 and a maximum of $4.67 on March 07, 2022, according to GlobalPetrolPrices.com, whom obtains the price of gasoline from official government sources, oil companies, and major media sources and updates the data on a weekly basis.
Saving money on gasoline bill
Rely on technology. Use apps that helps finding gas stations with the best prices in the area where you are located. Gasbuddy, Gas Guru or AAA TripTik are the most known apps.
If possible, pay with cash. It will save from five to 10 cents per gallon. If you’re going to pay with a credit card, make sure that you have a cashback percent of the money spent.
COVID-19 pandemic stimulated the “order online” and “delivery” boom. Take advantage of it and don’t use your car to go to the market or pharmacy.
Sign up for loyalty programs at gas stations. Many of the major gas station chains in the U.S. can help offset the price at the pump.
Car maintenance is important. A properly functioning vehicle will not consume more gasoline than necessary.
It might interest you: Mechanical street cleaning to begin on April 4
Mondays and Fridays are the days with better gasoline prices, while Thursday and Wednesday are the most expensive ones, according to consumer experts. Little details that can make a difference in a period of time.
If you have more than one vehicle, use the one with the best fuel efficiency. A sedan or SUV will consume less gasoline than a pickup or a truck, especially if distances are long between one point to another.
Be efficient with the routes you choose. GPS usage lets drivers transit the shortest route and the least congested ways.
Excess load is a synonym of gasoline consumption. Cars are designed to transport a certain number of people and luggage. Be familiarized with it do what the car manual says, especially on long journeys.
If driving a manual transmission car, shift gears on time. In other words, try not to have the engine very revved up. The ideal formula is: high speeds/low revolutions. That way the vehicle will consume less fuel.
Practice carpooling to and from work and school. Shared rides can be found on sites like ZimRide, RideJoy, or eRideShare.com. It allows to share the gasoline bill. Besides, try to do the things you usually do in two or three trips in a single journey.
It might interest you:
COVID-19 vaccine doses to expire soon at DE Public Health warehouse