(Source – WSJ)
Mary Ann Hoss recently paid a few cents less for gas as she prepared for a road trip from Lower Burrell to her camp a few hours away. This decrease in fuel costs is largely due to global factors rather than any action Hoss took. The nation is experiencing a rare summertime drop in gasoline prices, thanks to sluggish demand and lower crude oil prices. However, drivers have little control over these savings.
Experts advise against trying to “time” gas purchases—such as buying early or late in the week or during cooler morning hours—as it offers minimal savings. “You might save a couple of cents a gallon, a few bucks here and there over the course of a year,” said Patrick De Haan, head petroleum analyst at GasBuddy. “I wouldn’t worry about it too much.”
The most significant savings come from global forces, such as the international oil commodities market, influenced by major events like wars and hurricanes. Buying gas at a specific time of day won’t notably reduce costs at the pump.
Global Factors Drive Prices Down
“Gas prices rise and fall, typically decreasing in winter, peaking at Memorial Day, and again during late summer hurricane season. It’s tied to crude oil prices,” said Andrew Gross, AAA public relations manager. “Right now, oil is at a good spot at $78 a barrel; anything below $80 is good.”
For the second consecutive week, national gas prices fell, dropping 10 cents per gallon to an average of $3.40, according to GasBuddy. In Pittsburgh, average prices fell nearly 3 cents per gallon last week, averaging $3.79.
“We’ve seen one of the larger weekly drops in the national average price of gasoline in some time—perfect timing at the start of the summer driving season,” De Haan noted.
Small Savings Strategies
While major savings are influenced by global factors, drivers can adopt small strategies to save on fuel. One tip, according to De Haan, is to avoid consistently using the same gas station. Various gas travel apps like GasBuddy, Gas Guru, Waze, AAA Triptik Mobile, and Upside provide up-to-date price comparisons, allowing motorists to choose the lowest-priced station. However, these prices can change frequently, so regular checks are necessary.
Additionally, De Haan advises against paying extra per gallon for loyalty points, as the cost outweighs the benefits. However, some drivers find value in fuel price discounts tied to grocery purchases. Joe Downes of Hempfield, for instance, utilizes fuel discounts from Giant Eagle supermarkets and Shop ‘N Save’s Pump Perks, which he redeems at Sunoco pumps.
“I shop around and really use my fuel discounts,” Downes said while filling three five-gallon cans of gasoline at a Sunoco station in Greensburg. Downes mows about four acres of lawn at his home and for a family member, making the discounts worthwhile.
Conversely, some drivers prioritize convenience, opting for gas stations along their route, often at a higher cost. “The most expensive gas is typically at stations along the highway, right at the exit,” Gross explained.
The myth of fueling up in the cooler morning hours
For Hoss, shopping around for gas isn’t appealing. “That doesn’t make sense to me. You waste money driving around to find cheaper gas,” she said.
Dana Grant, a Greensburg driver, and DoorDash delivery worker, monitors gas prices closely. “I have watched it go down and I do shop around,” Grant said, noting the $3.57.9 price at a BP station on East Otterman Street in Greensburg.
Lastly, the myth of fueling up in the cooler morning hours to get more gas for the money is debunked. “Our pumps are measured and will pump the same amount regardless of the time of day,” said Rick Toney, a longtime attendant at Shamey’s Fuel and Auto service in New Kensington. “It all depends on the market and oil prices. Last year, we were over $4 a gallon this time of year. It’s like the stock market—it goes up and down.”
The outlook for summer remains positive, with potential further price drops. “I expect additional declines ahead of July 4 for both gasoline and diesel prices,” De Haan said. “Six states now have average prices below $3 per gallon.”
