Anyone else planning a stay-cation this summer?

With waiting lines like this and gas prices the way they are, you’re likely not alone. Despite predictions this past spring that your car’s diet would be fund friendly this summer, it seems as though that may not come to pass after all. High demand, fewer supplies than anticipated, and declining production are all reportedly culpable for crude oil price rise. Gregg Laskoski, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, thinks the nations gas prices will continue to escalate, claiming:

“We’re expecting prices to go up because of problems in Iraq, and expected spikes in wholesale gasoline and retail gasoline prices.”

Recent price jumps may imminently drive the price of regular unleaded gasoline from the current $3.64 a gallon up by 5 to 10 cents. Last year, by comparison, costs averaged around $3.58 a gallon between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tom Kloza, senior energy analyst at Gasbuddy.com believes that while costs will rise, that:

“We’re not looking at a Gas-zilla event; it’ll probably be a slow drift higher rather than skyrocketing.”

Let's just replace this with the gas prices pic.twitter.com/3A1TYqDAox

— Howard B (@howardbush61) June 14, 2014

As Iraqi oil production was already cut by about 10%, or about 300,000 barrels a day, since March, John Kingston, global news director for industry tracker Platts Energy, asks:

“The question is, who is going to fill the gap? Saudi Arabia? That’s what the market is looking at.”

Until prices relent, some have offered suggestions on how to circumvent feeling pickpocketed at the pump. While none of them include taking a nice, long, country drive while bumping a playlist of Jack Johnson mixed with Westside Connection (which totally foils my plans), they just might prove helpful for those who are penny pinching this season:

A few people have also mentioned workarounds – like taking a bike if you’re not too worried about being sweaty at your destination or using public transit when possible. These might seem like common sense tips, but a few of them (like being a lead foot) are indeed on my driver defect list.

Along with some of these driving tips, come a few “planning ahead” ones. For example, Laskoski suggests: “First, try to think about what trip you’re making and how to consolidate your errands.” For instance, if one errand’s location is on the way to another, we can try to plan our schedules around not having to backtrack or make a second trip later. Other suggestions include lightening the load (the literal junk in the trunk problem – or for me – a second wardrobe in my backseat). Also, regularly checking tire pressure (which we should be doing anyway because, ya know: safety) will ensure we all get the most bang for our buck.

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(Click infographic for larger version)

May you all have safe and wonderful summers – despite this financial inconvenience!

What gas hacks have worked for you in the past?

Leave them in the comments below, if you like!

Image via Youtube