The national average price of gasoline crossed $4 a gallon this week for the first time since June 2022, driven by war-related disruptions to Middle Eastern oil supply, according to AAA [1]. With prices expected to climb further before stabilizing, consumer experts are offering practical advice for stretching every tank.

The simplest savings come from apps. GasBuddy and Waze both display real-time prices at nearby stations, and AAA's own app includes a fuel price comparison tool [1]. Price differences of 20 to 40 cents per gallon between stations a mile apart are common, meaning a five-minute detour can save $4 to $8 per fill-up on a typical 20-gallon tank.

Driving habits matter more than most people realize. AAA's research shows that aggressive acceleration and highway speeds above 65 miles per hour reduce fuel efficiency by 15 to 30 percent [1]. Maintaining properly inflated tires — checked monthly, not just when the dashboard light appears — improves mileage by up to 3 percent. Removing roof racks when not in use eliminates aerodynamic drag that costs roughly one mile per gallon on the highway [2].

For commuters, consolidating errands into single trips reduces cold-start fuel waste, and carpooling even two days a week cuts weekly fuel costs by 40 percent. Several employers have reinstated pre-pandemic transit subsidies in response to the price spike.

Warehouse club memberships at Costco and Sam's Club typically offer gas 20 to 30 cents below the local average, which can pay for the membership in fuel savings alone at current prices [2].

-- LUCIA VEGA, Mexico City