More Gas Price Increases Expected During Peak Summer Driving Season (April – September)
After rising steadily for weeks, gasoline prices have declined ever so slightly. Prices have held at a national average of $3.92 a gallon the past week, below 2011’s $3.99 high and July 2008’s record $4.11.
On Tuesday the current national average price for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline is $3.93, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report. This price is the same price as one week ago, 15 cents more expensive than one month ago, and 17 cents more expensive than one year ago.
In a welcome relief to drivers, after rising for all but four days in February and March — an increase of 38 cents during that period — gas prices have been down more days than they’ve been up in April — increasing less than half a cent on the month to date.
Although gas prices have been easing lately in some regions, the Energy Department has predicted that U.S. drivers will be paying an average of 24 cents a gallon more for gasoline during the peak summer driving season, defined as April through September.
Peak gas prices will average $3.95 for a gallon of regular gasoline, up 6.3 percent, or 24 cents, from last year’s April-September driving season, according to the EIA’s monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook. That represents an increase from last month’s peak-season prediction of a $3.295 average.
When gas prices near $4 per gallon, many companies have to start looking for ways to save money.
Managers look for ways to increase operating efficiencies and start paying attention to how their employees are driving.
Small changes can have a big impact on a large scale, and the cost savings can really start add up. Many are surprised to find out that a fleet tracking system can help them to see immediate results and cut costs across the board.
