Gasoline prices won't drop until fall: 14 ways to save on fuel

Donald Trump said on April 12 that oil and gasoline prices could remain high until the November midterm elections, writes ReutersWhile politicians are trying to resolve the Iranian crisis, the publication Money gives practical advice on how to save on fuel.

According to GasBuddy, the average price of regular gasoline at US gas stations has exceeded $4 per gallon in April. In February, the average price hovered just below $3 per gallon, and over the past year, it has never exceeded $3,25 per gallon.

On April 12, Trump announced on social media that the US Navy would blockade the Strait of Hormuz and intercept any vessel that paid transit fees to Iran after lengthy US-Iran talks in Pakistan over the weekend failed to produce a peace deal.

On the subject: Gas prices in California have surpassed $5 per gallon.

The American blockade could increase uncertainty surrounding a possible resolution to the conflict. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf wrote on social media that the blockade would lead to higher gasoline prices in the US.

"Enjoy the current prices at the pump," he wrote in X, accompanying his message with a map of gas prices in Washington. "With the so-called blockade, you'll soon be nostalgic for $4-$5 gas."

14 Ways to Save on Gas

When it comes to reducing fuel costs, it's important to remember that the best ways to save money aren't just about finding the cheapest gas station. Your driving habits and the condition of your car are just as important.

Pay with cash, not with a card

The difference between cash and credit card prices is typically 5 to 10 cents per gallon, but in some cases it can be higher. Gas stations often charge more when paying by card because they pay banks and credit card companies a fee for each transaction. When you pay cash, the gas station avoids these fees and passes on part of the savings to you as a discount.

Debit card payments, even though they're real money in your account, may also incur a transaction fee. The policy varies by gas station, so if you're unsure, it's best to check with a staff member.

Use your fuel bonus card

Cash back on gasoline is one of the most lucrative credit card rewards. Several no-annual-fee credit cards offer up to 5% cash back on gasoline, including the Citi Custom Cash Card, which offers increased cash back on certain spending categories, such as fuel. If you regularly shop at Costco or Sam's Club, these chains also have branded credit cards that offer 5% cash back on gasoline purchased at their stations.

If you regularly pay off your card balance on time, credit card rewards may be more beneficial than cash discounts. At current prices, you'll likely save more with a card that offers at least 3% cash back on gas.

Always read the terms and conditions carefully and determine whether the program is truly beneficial for your specific situation.

Join the supermarket loyalty program

Check to see if your local supermarket has a petrol rewards program.

Several major supermarket chains partner with gas stations to offer participants substantial discounts on fuel—often 10 cents or more per gallon. For example, Kroger, Safeway, Stop & Shop, and others offer discounts on gasoline if you spend a certain amount in-store after signing up for the program.

Typically, these programs work like this: for every $50–$100 spent, you get 5–10 cents off per gallon of fuel at a partner station.

If you're already spending that much at a supermarket with a rewards program, this might be an obvious way to save. But keep in mind that you shouldn't make a special trip to a more expensive or remote store just to get a discount on gas.

Use gas station loyalty programs

Large gas station chains typically have loyalty programs that offer fuel rewards. For example, the BP Earnify app offers 5 cents per gallon back or 10 cents per gallon with an Amazon Prime subscription. The Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program offers 6 points per gallon (100 points equals $1 off your next purchase).

The Shell Fuel Rewards program offers savings of 3, 5 or 10 cents per gallon depending on your membership level, which is determined by the volume of your purchases at Shell stations.

Walmart+ users can use the app to get 10 cents per gallon off at 13,000 stations, including Exxon and Mobil.

The Upside app is another popular option that allows you to earn up to 10 cents per gallon (sometimes more) at many major gas station chains.

Fill up on the cheapest day of the week

It's no secret that gas prices fluctuate from day to day, but statistics show that one day of the week is usually cheaper than the others. According to GasBuddy, Sunday is typically the cheapest day. The most expensive days are Wednesday through Friday.

However, it should be noted that these recommendations are based on national trends from previous years, and the situation may differ in a particular region.

Compare prices using apps

Instead of driving around the city looking for the cheapest gas station, wasting time and gas, it's worth using price comparison apps.

GasBuddy is one of the most popular apps dedicated entirely to comparing gas prices nearby. You can also check prices in navigation apps. For example, Google Maps and Waze let you select a gas station as your destination and sort options by price.

Drive calmly

Keeping to the speed limit, accelerating smoothly, and coasting are not only safer but also more economical driving styles.

So the next time you approach a red light, don't accelerate or brake abruptly just before the line. Release the gas pedal and come to a gradual stop. When the light turns green, don't rush to accelerate.

According to FuelEconomy.gov, such safe driving techniques can improve fuel efficiency by up to 40%, depending on speed and stop-and-go traffic. On the highway, savings range from 15–30%, while in stop-and-go traffic, savings range from 10% to 40%.

Assuming the price of fuel is around $3,50, that translates to savings of approximately 30 cents to $1,40 per gallon.

Reduce engine idle time

The federal government reports that idling an engine can use between a quarter and a half gallon of gasoline per hour.

If you are standing in a very long line or waiting for someone, it is better to turn off the engine.

Depending on its volume and whether it uses air conditioning or heating, shutting off the engine instead of idling can save up to 3 cents per minute, according to federal estimates.

Plan your routes

When it comes to driving, proper planning can really pay off. Think of this strategy as a general approach to when, where, and how you drive.

It is important to ask yourself a few questions:

• Is there a more economical route to the destination?
• Is it possible to combine several trips?
• Is it possible to travel with colleagues?
• Is it possible to drive outside of rush hour?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, creating a plan and sticking to it can significantly reduce your fuel consumption.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, trip pooling can double fuel efficiency compared to multiple short trips, as the car runs more efficiently after warming up. And trip pooling can cut weekly fuel costs in half while also reducing vehicle wear and tear.

Know when to use cruise control

Cruise control can improve fuel economy when used correctly, but it's not always a one-size-fits-all solution to saving.

If you have long trips or routes with relatively steady traffic, cruise control can help save gas. You can set the speed that's most fuel-efficient for your car when driving on the highway, preferably on level ground, to avoid speed fluctuations that increase fuel consumption.

It goes without saying that cruise control is ineffective in stop-and-go traffic, especially off highways.

Reduce your air conditioning use

Warm weather is both a plus and a minus for fuel economy. On the one hand, warmth helps the engine warm up faster, improving fuel efficiency. Furthermore, warm air creates less aerodynamic drag than cold air.

On the other hand, using the air conditioner in hot weather can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 25%, especially on short trips. This is one of the most significant factors contributing to increased fuel consumption.

There is also a double effect: driving with the windows open can also increase consumption due to air resistance.

What to do:

• When starting the car, do not let it idle with the air conditioner on - the system cools faster while driving
• Use the air conditioner mainly on the highway, and open the windows at low speeds
• Adjust the temperature and fan speed, rather than setting it to maximum.

Parking location also matters. A cold engine reduces fuel efficiency by 15–24%. Parking in a garage helps maintain a higher engine temperature.

In hot weather, parking in the shade reduces interior heat build-up and the need to turn the air conditioning on full blast.

Remove excess weight

The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it uses. This also applies to cargo. If the car contains removable items, such as sports equipment or storage containers, they should be removed if they are not needed for the trip.

Fuel efficiency decreases by 1% for every 100 pounds (45 kg) of excess weight. This includes luggage racks, as well as cargo on the roof or rear of the vehicle—they not only add weight to the car but also impair aerodynamics.

Check your tires regularly

While it may seem like a small thing, tire pressure affects fuel economy. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that every 1 psi drop in tire pressure reduces fuel efficiency by 0,2%. With fuel costing around $3,50, maintaining proper tire pressure can save between 2 and 10 cents per gallon.

Keep your engine in good condition

Fuel consumption depends largely on the engine's condition. If you drive an older car, it's a good idea to track your fuel consumption using apps like Fuelio. Significantly lower fuel consumption than advertised may indicate a problem.

According to the consulting firm Energy and Environmental Analysis, engine malfunctions increase fuel consumption by an average of 4%. More serious problems can increase fuel consumption by up to 40%.

In addition to saving fuel, a properly functioning engine extends the life of your vehicle and helps avoid costly repairs.

Simple advice: Use the correct grade of motor oil. Check your owner's manual and use the recommended type. At around $3,50, this will save you 4-7 cents per gallon.

Most cars run on regular unleaded gasoline, and there is usually no benefit from using more expensive premium fuel.

Frequently asked questions about fuel economy

Does cruise control save gas?

Cruise control can help save fuel when used correctly. To achieve savings, set the speed that's most fuel-efficient for your vehicle when driving on the highway, preferably on level ground.

Does ECO mode help save gas?

Yes, using ECO mode reduces fuel consumption if your vehicle supports it. That's what it's designed for. Manufacturers often claim it improves fuel economy by approximately 5%. Depending on the vehicle model, the mode may limit acceleration, reduce the load on the air conditioning, and affect transmission or steering performance.

Does driving slowly help you save gas?

In some cases, yes, but this isn't a universal rule. The greatest benefit comes from avoiding aggressive driving, such as harsh acceleration and frequent braking. As mentioned, a more relaxed driving style can improve fuel efficiency by 10–40%.

Does the automatic engine stop system save gasoline?

Overall, the autostop technology does improve fuel economy. It shuts off the engine (usually after a few seconds) when the car is not moving. When you take your foot off the brake, the engine automatically restarts. This reduces idling time, which significantly increases fuel consumption. According to research firm Edmunds, this technology can improve fuel economy by 3-12%.

How is the price of gasoline formed?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the retail price of gasoline is determined by four main factors: the cost of crude oil, the cost of refining, transportation and marketing costs, and taxes.

Up to 51% of the price you pay at the pump is made up of the wholesale price of crude oil, and it's this price that has fluctuated the most in recent years.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Airlines are starting to cancel flights due to fuel shortages caused by the war with Iran.

The US has allowed a Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba despite the blockade.

Diesel Prices Reach $5 a Gallon: 6 Ways to Save on Fuel

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