As the summer travel season approaches, drivers are facing increasing gas prices. Experts warn that costs may rise further ahead of Memorial Day and into early June.
According to AAA, the national average for regular gasoline stands at $4.53 per gallon, up 2 cents from the previous day and 42 cents higher than a month ago. In Philadelphia, prices dropped about 5 cents per gallon from the prior week due to a pattern called “price cycling,” where prices spike and then gradually decline before rising again.
Patrick De Haan from Gasbuddy noted that without new developments pushing oil prices down, a spike could occur before Memorial Day or in early June.
Consumer experts suggest several strategies to reduce fuel costs, especially during road trips. One key tip is to avoid premium gasoline unless the vehicle specifically requires it. Mike Quincy from Consumer Reports explained that premium fuel does not improve performance or fuel economy for cars that don’t need it.
Removing unnecessary items like roof racks and trailer hitch racks can also improve fuel efficiency. According to Quincy, even empty racks create aerodynamic drag, forcing the engine to work harder. Approximately 50% of engine power is used to overcome this drag.
Drivers should also avoid filling up near interstate exits and in densely populated urban areas, where prices are typically higher. Loyalty programs, retailer memberships, and fuel-price apps can help lower costs. De Haan recommended using apps like GasBuddy to find low prices on road trips. GasBuddy also offers a payment card that can save up to 33 cents per gallon with flash alerts.
Some gasoline companies and retailers provide discounts through membership programs. Shell offers new members 30 cents off per gallon on their third fill-up, while Walmart+ and Amazon Prime members can save 10 cents per gallon at participating stations.