AAA provides fuel saving advice as it seems the pain at the pump has intensified. Tennessee’s average gas price is now $3.67, up 11 cents overnight and 30 cents higher than a week ago. Six metro areas across the state also saw double-digit increases in their metro averages overnight.

“The Russian-Ukrainian conflict intensified what was already a tight global oil market over supplies,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Sanctions and regulations have effectively taken Russian oil off the market. Prices accelerated on Wednesday, when OPEC and its allies announced that they would not increase production beyond previously planned modest increases.

A new AAA survey shows pump pain has already reached a point where some drivers are beginning to adjust their driving habits.

Friday’s average gasoline price in Tennessee is $3.67 a gallon. According to the AAA survey, it is in the price range that 60% of drivers in the state would change their driving behavior. Sixteen percent said they would not change their driving behavior at any cost.

Key changes made by Tennessees due to gas prices:

• 39% drive less often
• 31% participate in fuel reward programs
• 23% walk shorter distances
• 21% combined trips

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Gas Prices – Continued…

“While drivers can’t control the price they see at the pump, there are simple ways to get the most bang for your buck when you fill up,” Cooper said. “First, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained for optimal fuel economy. Then sign up for AAA’s Fuel Rewards program, which allows drivers to save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon on each additional fill-up.

Money saving tips for drivers

• Shop around for gas prices. Drivers can check area gas prices on the AAA mobile app.
• Consider paying cash instead of credit card. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers paying with a credit card.
• Sign up for savings programs. AAA members who enroll in Shell’s Fuel Rewards program can save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon on each additional fill-up. Click here for more information.

Fuel saving tips for drivers

• Maintain your vehicle to ensure optimum fuel economy. Find a trusted auto repair at com/AutoRepair.
• Combine trips to limit driving time.
• To slow down. Fuel economy drops significantly at highway speeds above 50 mph.
• Drive carefully and avoid aggressive driving. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy.

See our previous article on gasoline prices (published Saturday 05/03/2022) HERE.