Everyone has noticed soaring gas prices. AAA reports today, the national average is $4.173, while Florida’s average is currently $4.150.
“Gas prices are at an all-time high in Florida,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent auto insurance agency.
Prices are surging in response to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Sanctions and regulations against Russia have restricted its ability to sell oil on the global market, intensifying supply concerns in an already suffering market due to the pandemic.
The US price of oil jumped 26% last week, rising to over $24 a barrel, equal to a 60-cent increase at the gas pump. AAA believes an 10-15 cent hike is possible and consumers need to prepare for high prices for the next few months.
Some of the most expensive gas can be found in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton as well as the Florida Keys. The least expensive is in Jacksonville and Quincy.
“There are ways for drivers to save money at the pump,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent auto insurance agency.
Listed below are some fuel saving tips from USA Today.
- Prices can vary within a few miles, download a gas app such as AAA, GasBuddy, Gas Guru, or Waze.
- Wholesale clubs such as Costco or Sam’s Club have discounted gas, but they require a membership purchase. Some grocery stores and gas stations also offer discounted gas programs, they require enrollment but are often free.
- Pay in cash. You can save 5 to 10 cents a gallon when you pay in cash. Watch for gas stations that charge a surcharge for using a credit card.
- Monday is the best day of the week to buy gas, Sunday is the day with the second lowest prices. The most expensive day of the week in most states is Thursday, followed by Wednesday.
- Improve fuel efficiency by slowing down and driving more conservatively, turning off the AC and regular vehicle maintenance. Make sure tires are properly inflated as well.
- The most obvious solution to rising gas prices, drive less. Plan out your trips and combine errands. Avoid rush hour. “Shut off your engine if you will be stopped for more than a minute. According to AAA, a car engine consumes one quarter to one-half gallon of fuel per hour when idling. A warm engine only takes about 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart.”
No matter what happens to the price of gas, GreatFlorida Insurance can help you find the best auto insurance prices to fit your electric car or SUV.
