Iran war: How high can oil prices rise?
The escalating war between Israel, the United States and Iran is driving up oil and gas prices and causing widespread disruption to global energy markets.
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- Gasoline prices have increased due to the Iran war, with the national average reaching $3.47 per gallon.
- Drivers can save money by using the app to compare prices, skip premium fuel, and pay with cash.
- You can also get great discounts through grocery store and credit card rewards programs.
Gasoline prices are on the rise again, and with costs rising, many drivers are looking for practical ways to save money at the pump.
Google searches for “will gas prices stay the same” increased by 80% on Monday afternoon, March 9, as the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the U.S. rose to $3.47, according to the AAA Auto Club. That’s up from an average of $2.99 a week ago, on March 2, and a month ago, on February 9, the organization said.
The number of Google searches for the phrase “Will gas prices go up tomorrow” also increased 110% on March 9 compared to March 8, the website said.
Patrick de Haan, head of oil analysis at GasBuddy, said in a post on X that gas prices are likely to continue rising as the war continues.
“Midday update: No major price changes yet in major states. National averages are up again at $3.47 per gallon and WTI crude oil at $97 per barrel, with more solutions likely now on offer,” De Haan wrote.
With this in mind, the USA TODAY Cars team has compiled a list of tips that can help drivers save money on gas.
1. Skip premium gas
The website PennyHoarder.com says, “In most cars, high-octane gasoline is neither necessary nor beneficial, so buying premium will only cost you more.”
“Premium gasoline can cost about 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular-grade fuel,” the website says. “Use regular grade gasoline unless the automaker specifically demands a premium.”
2. Find the cheapest gas near you using our gas price app
Drivers can use apps like GasBuddy, Waze, and AAA to compare prices at nearby stations. Maps apps like Apple Maps and Google Maps also now show prices at many stations when drivers use the “Nearby Gas” feature.
3. Save money with grocery store fuel rewards programs
Many grocery stores offer points to shoppers who sign up for rewards programs that can be used for similar discounts at nearby gas stations. Sign up at your local grocery store and make sure you link your purchases to the same account each time.
4.Use credit card points for fuel discounts
Many credit cards give you points on purchases that you can use later on things like travel. Many of these benefits can also be used for gas discounts.
PennyHoarder says, “When you fill up, choose a credit card that offers cash back or that lets you earn reward points on gas purchases.”
“Be sure you understand what you’re getting into before opening a rewards credit card,” the website says. “By paying your gas bill in full every month, you won’t have to pay interest on your gas purchases.”
5. If the price at the gas station is low, pay in cash.
Some gas stations are offering lower prices for customers who choose to pay with cash instead of a credit card. In some cases, paying cash can save you more than 10 cents per gallon.
“It’s a way to avoid card processing fees,” Penny Hoarder said of gas stations offering cash discounts.
“Some stations allow you to pay with cash using a debit card, while others do not,” the website says. “Please check with the gas station before swiping your card or use cash when it’s time to fill up.”
6. Refuel on the cheapest day of the week
Midweek gas prices tend to be a little lower than on Mondays, Fridays, or weekends when more drivers are likely to head to the pumps to fill up.
According to GasBuddy.com, the average price for a gallon of gasoline in the United States for the week of March 2-8 ranged from $3.15 on Sunday, March 2 to $3.45 on Saturday, March 8.
The daily averages for the entire 7-day period are:
- Sunday, March 2nd: $3.15
- Monday, March 3: $3.10
- Tuesday, March 4: $3.19
- Wednesday, March 5: $3.25
- Thursday, March 6: $3.32
- Friday, March 7: $3.43
- Saturday, March 8: $3.45
7. Save gas by carpooling or carpooling.
Drivers feeling the pinch at the pump may also consider carpooling to drive live. “If you live close to a co-worker and have a similar schedule, you can reduce the amount of driving you do each week by taking turns driving,” Pennyhoder says on its website. “Organize a carpool with neighbors or friends to take your kids to and from school or extracurricular activities, or swap driving duties between parents.”
8. Plan efficient routes to drive less and save fuel
PennyHoarder says drivers “need to plan shopping and other outings in an efficient way to reduce driving time.”
“If your grocery store is near your workplace, shop after work instead of waiting until the weekend,” the website says. “Consolidate your errands into one day rather than multiple trips on separate days. By shaving off a few miles a few times a week, you might save yourself a gas stop or two.”
9. Check out warehouse clubs and independent stations for cheaper gas.
Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s, and BJ’s may have gas stations that offer lower prices than nearby competitors. Independently owned gas stations may also offer lower prices than franchised facilities because they typically have lower overhead costs.
10. Avoid gas stations on highways (gas prices are often high)
Stations near major highways and commuter routes tend to have higher fares than stations located elsewhere. Drivers should avoid these stations if they want to save money on pumps.
