Gas prices won’t fall quickly. Here are ways to pay less at the pump right now

High Gas Prices Persist. Here’s How to Cut Costs at the Pump

Despite Middle East tensions easing temporarily, U.S. gas prices remain elevated, far surpassing pre-conflict levels. While the average regular gasoline price dipped slightly to $4.05 on Sunday, it’s still significantly higher than the $2.98 seen before the Iran-US conflict began on February 28. Drivers can mitigate the financial strain by adopting smarter fuel-shopping habits.

Smart Strategies to Save

There are several methods to save a few cents, such as identifying the most affordable gas station in your area, utilizing specific retailers, and enrolling in loyalty programs. “Nobody should be paying the retail price,” stated Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “There are countless ways to reduce costs.”

“My car doesn’t care what gasoline goes into it.”

Tools like GasBuddy, Google Maps, and Waze help consumers compare local prices, enabling them to locate the cheapest stations. The platform also offers a free card or a paid membership for extra savings. In Tampa, Florida, for example, prices varied between $3.75 and $4.39 within a short distance, highlighting how costs can shift rapidly.

Warehouse Clubs Provide Benefits

Stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s provide members with discounted fuel as part of their perks. These deals not only lower prices but also encourage customers to visit physical locations. According to OPIS data, Costco’s fuel costs 34 cents less than the national average, while Sam’s Club and BJ’s offer 26 cents in savings.

Gas sales at Costco rose by over 20% between March 2 and April 5 compared to the previous year, as noted by CFO Gary Millerchip. This surge was driven by both higher prices and increased demand. Daily gallons sold saw a 10% increase during that period.

Supermarket Incentives

Supermarkets and convenience stores also provide savings. Kroger’s fuel rewards program, active for over two decades, lets shoppers earn one point per dollar spent on groceries, redeemable for up to $1 off per gallon at Kroger and certain Shell stations. Recent promotions have boosted points for purchases, increasing potential savings.

Walmart’s fuel prices are 18 cents below the national average, and Walmart+ members get an additional 10 cents off at over 13,000 stations, including Exxon and Mobil. In Alabama, the discount extends to 5 cents more.

Loyalty Programs and Partnerships

Larger gas companies offer loyalty programs that provide instant savings or accumulate points for future discounts. BP’s earnify rewards program grants 5 cents off per gallon for 8 million members, with further savings available through affiliated stores like Harris Teeter. The company also partners with Amazon to offer Prime members a 10-cent discount at BP and Amoco stations, occasionally boosting this to 20 cents on Fridays until May.

Exxon Mobil’s Rewards+ program lets members earn points for each fill-up, redeemable for $1 off per 100 points. Those using a checking account as payment also save 10 cents per gallon. AARP members linked to Exxon’s program receive additional points, enhancing total savings.

By actively comparing prices and leveraging these programs, drivers can navigate the high-price environment more effectively. The challenge lies in making the effort to find the best deals without sacrificing convenience.