Rising gas prices are having a huge impact on families and businesses. Thousands of drivers will be hitting the road this weekend for Spring Break and Easter festivities. Many drivers will be carpooling, and some drivers are deciding to skip any long distance road trips altogether.
The national average on Friday April 22, 2011, for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is nearly $3.84 a gallon — up 99 cents from exactly a year ago, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report. One year ago gas prices were averaging $2.85. That’s a 35% increase in the past 12 months. There are six states and 27 major US cities where gas has already topped $4 a gallon.
Hawaii currently has the highest prices in the country at $4.52 per gallon. California has the highest prices in the continental US, where gas prices are averaging $4.21 per gallon.
Many businesses are facing the tough choice of whether to absorb the cost increases or raise prices. Local businesses that rely on delivery to meet their customers’ needs are also being forced to re-evaluate the way they serve their clients.
Remember to slow down and avoid quick starts and harsh stops to get the most mileage out of your fuel tank. If your livelihood is tied to transportation costs, then high gas prices can have a huge impact on your bottom line. A GPS fleet tracking system can help you to reduce your fuel expenses and become more efficient in delivering your product or service.