Press Releases
Fuel Gauge Report
March 21, 2012
Again this week, all cities saw gas prices rise. Global news and speculation are still driving forces keeping crude prices elevated, which trickles down to the price at the pump. A possible factor in future oil prices is Saudi Arabia actions to contract eleven new supertankers to fill and transport more than 20 million barrels of oil to the Gulf Coast of the United States. The current national average price for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline is $3.86, up 3.5 cents from last week. Across the country drivers continue to pay very different prices depending on where they live. Motorists in eight states and the District of Columbia currently pay an average of more than $4.00 per gallon: Alaska - $4.27, California - $4.34, Connecticut - $4.03, D.C. - $4.11, Hawaii - $4.49, Illinois - $4.18, New York - $4.03, Oregon - $4.01 and Washington State - $4.03.
For the best efficiency drivers should make sure their cars are in good shape, reduce excess weight in the car, use the most fuel efficient vehicle possible, and combine trips to reduce gasoline use. Other options are to take public transit where possible or ride a bike. Other suggestions are in AAA’s Gas Watcher’s Guide, free at AAA offices, and on the web at www.aaaet.com.
This Week’s Avg. Last Week’s Avg. Change
Knoxville $3.674 $3.585 $0.089
Bristol $3.683 $3.635 $0.048
Cleveland $3.680 $3.612 $0.068
Johnson City $3.701 $3.657 $0.044
Kingsport $3.689 $3.643 $0.046
Maryville $3.683 $3.577 $0.106