Have you filled your tank lately?
Gas prices across California and the United States are soaring as the Iran war enters its second week.
“The conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices higher,” the AAA said in a March 5 news release.
Crude oil is the main ingredient used to make gasoline and diesel, and roughly half of what you pay at the pump comes from the cost of a barrel, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Other factors are also pushing fuel costs higher in California.
Refineries are starting the annual switch to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expense to produce and typically leads to higher prices at the pump.
Here’s where you can fuel up in the Fresno area for less:
How much does gas cost in Fresno?
On Wednesday, March 11, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Fresno was about $5.29, according to AAA.
That’s about 63 cents more per gallon than the previous week.
Over the course of a month, the average price of gas in Fresno has increased by 81 cents, according to AAA.
In comparison, the statewide average price for regular gas was about $5.33 a gallon on Wednesday, AAA said, roughly $1.75 higher than the national average.
Where can I find cheapest gas stations?
GasBuddy is a price-tracking website designed to help drivers find the lowest gas prices in their areas.
As of Wednesday, March 11, a number of Fresno-area gas stations were offering prices below the local average of $5.29.
According to GasBuddy, these were 10 of the cheapest gas stations in Fresno as of Wednesday: 1. Chevron & Diamond Gas & Mart, 225 North H St. in Fresno: $4.23 for a gallon of regular gas
2. Berri Brothers, 4201 East Shields Ave. in Fresno: $4.79
3. EZ Trip, 2174 West Shaw Ave. in Fresno: $4.66
4. Sinclair, 1585 North West Ave. in Fresno: $4.79
5. Walmart, 7065 Ingram Ave. in Fresno: $4.58
6. Costco, 7100 North Abby St. in Fresno: $4.72 for regular, $5.29 for premium, $5.19 for diesel
7. Fastrip, 3793 North Hughes Ave. in Fresno: $4.73
8. Sam’s Club, 7663 North Blackstone Ave. in Fresno: $4.66
9. Fuel Up!, 3403 West Ashlan Ave. and 1021 East Shaw Ave. in Fresno: $4.89
10. Penny Wise, 1536 East Belmont Ave. in Fresno: $4.89
What are best ways to save money, fuel?
Experts have some practical tips to save money at the pump as costs climb, from driving habits to car maintenance.
The most cost-effective way to reduce your fuel use p is to drive slower and safer, according to AAA.
“Studies have repeatedly shown that personal driving habits are the single biggest factor that affects vehicle fuel consumption,” the automobile association said. “Adopting new and improved driving behaviors not only makes car travel safer, but it can also contribute to significant savings at the gas pump.”
Drivers can improve their fuel economy by about 10% through proper maintenance and driving habits, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
In contrast, aggressive driving — including speeding, accelerating quickly and braking — can lower your gas mileage by 33% on highways and by 5% around town, the federal agency said.
Here are other fuel-saving tips from the U.S. Energy Department:
Drive the speed limit.Check your tire pressure regularly.Limit your use of air conditioning and open the windows when possible.Avoid excessive idling.Remove unnecessary items from your car and consider carrying cargo in a large, blunt rooftop cargo box. Use cruise control when possible to keep a constant speed.
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Brooke (they/them) covers Fresno and California news as the Fresno Bee’s service journalism reporter. They previously covered wildlife and national parks out west for the national real-time team at McClatchy News. Originally from Florida, they studied journalism at the University of Florida and previously covered LGBTQ+ news for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, their hometown newspaper. When they’re not writing stories, they enjoy hanging out with their cats, riding horses or spending time outdoors.