State average hits $1.99 per gallon for first time since 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Alabama average price of gas has fallen for a record 110 days to $1.99 per gallon, which is the lowest average since May 2009. Drivers closed out 2014 on a high note with households saving an average of approximately $115 on gasoline in comparison to 2013 due to relatively low prices at the pump. The average price for retail gasoline hit multi-year lows during the last few months of 2014 and is expected to continue to fall as we begin 2015. Alabama consumers are saving eight cents per gallon compared to one week ago, 46 cents compared to one month ago and $1.13 per gallon compared to this same date last year.
The Alabama average price has fallen every day since September 25 for a total of $1.15 per gallon. Today’s price is $1.54 (approximately 40 percent) less than the 2014 peak of $3.53 per gallon in April. Barring any significant fluctuations in the price of crude oil, the average price at the pump is likely to remain below $3 per gallon in 2015, although prices may see seasonal increases this spring as refineries undergo maintenance, or this summer as demand increases during the busy summer driving season.
Fuel conservation and price shopping remain the key factors in keeping gas prices low in the short term and the long term.
Motorists should be aware of gas prices in their daily travel area to make certain they are purchasing the cheapest priced fuel available for each tankful. Consumers should never pay more than the state average for gasoline. The free AAA app can also help you in finding the cheapest priced gas in your area. The free AAA app is available to members and non-members alike. Some ways to conserve fuel and save even more money on gas costs include:
· Buy the lowest grade octane your owner’s manual recommends. Most engines are calibrated for “regular unleaded”.
· Keep your tires properly inflated. You lose 2% of your fuel efficiency for each pound of pressure you’re low.
· Tighten your gas cap. Gas can evaporate and cause your check engine light to come on.
· Make sure you are ready to go. Idling for two minutes uses enough fuel to drive one mile.
· Make sure your wheels are properly aligned. Poor alignment causes the engine to work harder.
· Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 MPH. Each 5 MPH you drive over 60 MPH is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon for gas. Plus, it is also much safer.
· Keep steady pressure on the gas pedal and use cruise control whenever possible. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) is not only unsafe, but also wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33% at highway speeds and by 5% around town.
· Remove bike racks, carriers etc, they can actually increase fuel consumption by 5 miles per gallon.
· Use you air conditioning in town as little as possible, it uses 3-5% more fuel but in contrast on the highway, the aerodynamics of the car will be better and use less gas: Open windows on the highway can cost you 10% fuel economy.
· Travel light; make sure you are not carrying any extra weight that could be left out. The lighter the car, the better gas mileage you get.
· Make sure your car is properly maintained. Get a tune up, have an induction service, and always take it in if the Check Engine light comes on.
· Combine your errands. Plan you trips so that you take the shortest, most direct routes and do all of your errands in one outing versus individual trips.
The National average is currently $2.13 per gallon, which is $1.18 per gallon less than this day last year. Detailed gas price information is updated daily at www.fuelgaugereport.com.
Visit www.AAA.com.
