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Gas prices aren’t too bad in most of the U.S., but some drivers pay a lot more than others. Here are the 10 states with the highest average rates now. [[{“value”:”
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The national average rate for a gallon of gasoline is $3.657 as of April 30, 2024. But whenever you’re talking about averages, there’s always someone getting a worse deal.
The following 10 states are facing sky-high rates right now. But with the right strategy, it might be possible to match — or even beat — the $3.657 national average.
The 10 states with the highest average gas prices right now
These 10 states have the highest average regular gas prices as of April 30, 2024:
With the exception of Illinois, all of these states are located in the western part of the country. New England comes next, with average prices ranging from $3.642 to $3.916, followed by the Midwest and the South. Drivers in southern states are currently paying between $3.099 and $3.283 per gallon of gas on average.
If 2024 follows last year’s trend, we can expect these prices to remain relatively flat through mid- to late July before rising again in late summer. But the cost of oil isn’t always easy to predict. If prices rise sharply, we could see gas prices spike sooner.
It’s also possible we could see prices fall in the near term. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported gas demand has dropped from 8.66 to 8.42 million barrels per day in the last week and oil prices have also dipped slightly.
Five good ways to save on gas
Here are five tips to help you save on gas in the coming months.
1. Drive less
Driving fewer miles reduces how often you need to fill up your vehicle. You might walk instead of driving, use public transportation, or aim to complete all your errands in a single trip rather than spreading them across several days.
2. Use a gas credit card
Find a cash back credit card that offers bonus rewards for gas purchases. You won’t reap these rewards right away, but eventually, you’ll earn enough to redeem for gift cards or to knock a little off your credit card bill.
3. Use a fuel rewards program
If you’re loyal to a particular gas station chain, enroll in its fuel rewards program. This could earn you discounts at the pump or on other gas station services, like car washes.
4. Use a gas app
Apps like GasBuddy help you see how much all gas stations in the area charge so you can quickly locate the cheapest one. This is especially helpful when driving through unfamiliar areas.
5. Pay attention to how you drive
Idling your vehicle or driving aggressively can reduce your fuel economy. Try to slowly accelerate and brake and avoid idling as much as possible to help your gas last longer.
You’ll still experience some ups and downs with gas prices when following the above tips. But this is just part of owning a vehicle, along with paying for maintenance and car insurance. If you’re worried about possible rising gas prices in the future, consider taking the money you’re saving on gas now and putting it in a savings account for when prices are higher.
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