Other LanguagesSpokane drivers may not feel like they’re getting much of a bargain on gas these days – but the $3.35/gallon they’re paying on average makes them one of the cities with the lowest prices in the nation, according U.S. News and World Report, which takes its findings from AAA and GasBuddy.com
California has the highest gas prices – just pennies below $4 in San Diego. (Although I’ll note that KING 5 reports that a Shell station in Seattle charged $4.17 on Sunday. Ouch.)
Unrest in the Middle East is to blame for the recent spike. In response to mounting concerns, the White House has indicated that it is considering tapping the country's Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a move that could ease prices.
Mid-Columbia residents are also impacted by a 14-week lock shutdown, which has halted gas deliveries up the Columbia and Snake rivers since December. The closure will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to replace the navigation lock gates at three dams: Lower Monumental, John Day and The Dalles.
The state Department of Commerce has published a fact sheet.
Driving less is the easiest way to cut our fuel costs. But properly inflated and balanced tires will help improve your mileage by about 3.3 percent, according to studies.
Web sites such as GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch, where drivers provide updates, will help you find the lowest prices is your ‘hood. GasBuddy also has mobile phone app.
Not sure whether it’s worth it to drive across town for a fill-up? Bankrate.com’s gas price calculator does the math for you.
As for me, I'll be riding the bus home from work today. Seattle ranks 11 on the list of U.S. cities with the best public transportation systems, according to U.S. News.