Gas prices take another leap
With summer right around the corner, gas prices are once again on the move so summer vacation plans might be placed on hold or dampened altogether.
Gas prices rose 10 to 14 cents again Friday, placing the local cost between $2.53 to $2.69 per gallon ? and all signs point to a continued rise.
Friday the national average gasoline price was $2.78. Thursday it was $2.76. One week ago is was $2.70. One month ago it was $2.51.
As of Friday afternoon, local gas prices were:
Scot Market: $2.69
Frazier?s BP: $2.55
Mapco Express: $2.53
Mt. Leo Texaco: $2.69
Westwood Amoco: $2.61
So, how will the rising cost of gasoline effect vacation plans for Warren County residents? Those currently thinking about summer vacation plans may have to save a little more or pick some place closer to home.
At current prices, according to the Web site fuelcostcalculator.com, the gas cost from McMinnville to Orlando, Fla., and back would be around $110; to Myrtle Beach, S.C. $90; to Yellowstone National Park, Wyo., $255; to Palm Springs, Calif., $340; to Yosemite National Park, Calif., $380.
Of course, depending on the vehicle make, model and year, these prices will vary.
The Web site fueleconomy.gov gives these tips on how to get the most out of a gallon of gas:
? Reduce aggressive driving. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking uses more gas. An added benefit to observing the speed limit is safety. Remember, idling gets zero miles per gallon.
? Although people like to live out of their car by keeping a few extras around, excess weight from unnecessary items will reduce mpg. An extra 100 pounds will reduce mpg by 2 percent.
? A little TLC on a vehicle will increase gas mileage. Check and replace air filters regularly, check tire air once a week and use the recommended grade of motor oil.
? When it comes to buying a new car, select one that is more fuel efficient. The difference between a car that gets 20 mpg and one that gets 30 mpg amounts to $663 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.65).
During the next few months, the cost of gas is expected to continue to rise. The typical summer driving season is considered to be between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays, with the peak, when it comes to gas demand, happening after the Fourth of July holiday.