Gas prices are causing quite a shock in neighborhoods across America this week. Gas prices have risen nearly 82 cents since September 2010; the average price of regular gasoline in the US has jumped 33 cents per gallon in the last two weeks.
Drivers across the country are feeling the pain of record high gas prices. A new fuel price survey says gas prices are expected to continue rising.
Diesel fuel is up 29 cents, to $3.88 per gallon average. In California, diesel hit $4.23 a gallon. The average price of self-serve regular gasoline is $3.51; the average price for mid-grade is $3.64, and premium gas is at $3.75.
Why are gas prices so high?
Diesel prices, like gasoline prices, are driven by the ever-increasing price of crude oil. Oil is close to $105 a barrel! Some experts say it is the perfect storm for gas price increases. There are several different reasons, including:
1. Intense, violent fighting in Libya is escalating. Libyan government forces and rebels appeared to be turning into a civil war and raised the prospect of a prolonged cut in crude exports from the OPEC nation.
2. International demand for oil is very high due to rapid economic expansion in China and India.
3. Extremely harsh winter weather in most of the US and Europe drastically increased the demand for heating oil. they can steer you in the right direction towards finding . This can add pressure to oil prices.
4. The BP oil spill resulted in reduced drilling offshore in the Gulf Coast, causing an increase in oil and gas prices.
Instead of worrying about gas prices, which we cannot control, we should focus on driving efficiency. The best way to reduce gas costs is by investing in more fuel efficient vehicles and developing smart, fuel efficient driving habits.
Smart, fuel efficient driving habits are critically important for businesses that operate a fleet of vehicles, because small changes can have big impacts on a larger scale. In the US there are nearly 15 million business operated vehicles on the road today. Fleet vehicles are driven hard, averaging nearly double the mileage, fuel consumption and emissions of personal vehicles.
Here are some high impact ways to reduce fuel consumption:
1. Select the most fuel efficient vehicle the journey.
Don't take the family SUV or a big truck when you can drive a smaller and more fuel efficient vehicle.
2.Take the Junk Out of Your Car
The heavier your car is, the more gas it burns. Remove all the excess stuff (golf clubs, ski racks) from your car when you're not using it. Carrying around items you don't need only will make your vehicle's fuel economy worse.
3. Don't Let Your Vehicle Warm Up Before You Start Driving
Modern vehicle technology built in the past 10 years allows your car to operate at very near its top efficiency the moment it starts. Letting a car idle while you wait for the engine to warm up or for the heater to kick in is a waste of gas.
4. Green curtains. Turn the Vehicle Off When You're Not Driving
If you pull over for a phone call or are picking up someone, turn the car off while you are not driving. Letting a car idle when you're just sitting there is simply a waste of gas. Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more gas and emits more pollution than restarting your car. Turn the car off if you're not moving.
5. Drive Slower and Less Aggressively
Obey speed limits, accelerate and stop gradually,nd anticipate stops. Obeying the speed limit can save you a lot of money. Don't be a lead foot, peeling out at stops. Jack-rabbit starts waste gas and only get you to the next traffic light faster, where your car will idle longer. Always drive at or below the speed limit on the highway. A good rule of thumb is that for every 10 mph faster you drive, you reduce fuel economy by about 4 mpg, regardless of vehicle size. Additionally, cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed which helps to improve fuel efficiency.
6. Regularly Check Tire Pressure
Make sure you check your tire PSI when the tires are cold.. Maintaining the correct PSI, or pounds per square inch, in your car's tires will give you better gas mileage, so check pressures once a month before you start driving and add air accordingly. If your car is equipped with a tire pressure monitor system -- now standard equipment on all new cars -- don't dismiss any alarms as false. Pressure increases as you drive and tires warm up, so a low-pressure alarm when you start driving that goes away later means tire pressure is on the border of being too low and should be adjusted. Check your owner's manual or the label on the inside of the driver's door for the correct PSI rating. The number on the tire's sidewall is the maximum PSI and should not be used.
7. Maintain the Vehicle Properly
Always make sure your vehicle is tuned when needed, and at least checked twice a year for alignment. An improper alignment can waste fuel.
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