State College gas prices reach new heights. How can you save on Memorial Day travel?
State College reached a new peak for gas prices Thursday, with a gallon running you $4.756 on average, according to AAA.
The price is $0.601 more than last month’s average and $1.619 higher than last year’s.
Despite this, the average cost of fuel in State College and Centre County is slightly lower than Pennsylvania’s total average of $4.766. The commonwealth’s most recent price peak was May 22, when fuel was $4.775.
Nationally, the average gallon of gas costs $4.60. Last month it was $4.131, and this time last year it was $3.035.
Pike County currently has the highest prices in Pennsylvania, with an average of $4.91 per gallon. Greene County has the least expensive gas at $4.67.
See average fuel prices by Pennsylvania county in this interactive graphic, using AAA data.
Note: This visualization will update continuously as new data become available.
While AAA says a decrease in demand has helped to slow price increases this week, the holiday weekend is expected to spike travel again.
Americans are currently spending the equivalent of $5,000 per year on gas, according to research from consulting firm Yardeni.
The sharp increases this year have been worse than many predicted. GasBuddy’s Jan. 3 projection said national gas prices were expected to reach $3.41 this year, $1.19 less than current costs.
Summer travel could drive even steeper hikes. McClatchy reports at least one prediction anticipates the national average hitting $6.20 per gallon by August.
Tips for Memorial Day travel
Here are tips from AAA to get the most out of your long weekend travel plans:
- Plan ahead. Flights, accommodations, tours and more are in high demand.
- Consider off-peak times or days for travel and activities.
- Hit the road when there’s less traffic. The longest driving delays are expected to be Thursday, May 26 and Friday, May 27.
- Check your car before hitting the road, including making sure tires are properly inflated.
Tips to save fuel
Below are some tips from AAA to conserve gas while traveling across the country or just around town.
- Slow down. Fuel economy can drop significantly at more than 50 mph.
- Avoid hard starts and accelerations.
- Avoid prolonged idling.
- Use cruise control where appropriate.
- Limit air conditioning use when possible.
- Park in the shade when the weather is hot, and use a windshield screen to lessen heat inside the car.
- Remove unnecessary bulky items, unused roof and bike racks and other accessories before traveling.
