The national average price for a gallon of gasoline in the United States has risen to $4.55, a four-year high, according to data available at the time of reporting. AAA estimated that a record 45 million Americans would travel over the relevant weekend despite the elevated prices. Data from the analytics company Arity indicates that driving activity among Americans has increased since the onset of the war in Iran, with no immediate relief from current price levels anticipated.
With no immediate relief from current price levels anticipated, drivers are seeking ways to cut costs.
Fuel Efficiency Measures
Experts recommend several driving and maintenance practices to enhance fuel economy.
- Driving Habits: Smooth acceleration, gentle braking, and adhering to moderate speeds are advised. Vehicles generally achieve optimal fuel efficiency around 50 miles per hour. Higher speeds, such as 75 mph, can significantly decrease fuel efficiency.
- Vehicle Condition: Maintaining properly inflated tires, removing unnecessary weight, and detaching unused roof racks can contribute to better fuel efficiency.
- Fuel Selection: According to Consumer Reports deputy auto editor Jonathan Linkov, premium gasoline is typically required only for specific high-performance vehicles. For vehicles where premium is only recommended, regular gasoline can be used without causing damage.
Consideration of Electric Vehicles
Elevated gasoline prices have stimulated consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs). Auto marketplaces, including CarGurus, Edmunds, and CarMax, reported an increase in EV listing views and searches. New-EV sales data is complex, as sales have remained depressed after the federal consumer tax credit ended in fall 2025.
CarGurus reported that used-EV sales accelerated in March. Cox Automotive noted that rising gas prices may have positively influenced demand for used EVs at auction. However, data from iSeeCars.com showed no appreciable shift in used-EV sales. Kevin Roberts of CarGurus stated that consumer views on websites tend to be an earlier indicator than sales figures.
Financial Implications
Janelle London of Coltura, a nonprofit focused on reducing gasoline use, estimates that an average driver covering 15,000 miles per year could save an estimated $1,800 annually by switching to an EV. A driver covering 25,000 miles annually could save approximately $3,000. Coltura provides an online tool to help estimate potential savings.
Savings vary by geographic location due to differences in local gasoline and electricity prices. According to a map from Yale Climate Connections, operating an EV in North Dakota is comparable to paying less than $1 per gallon of gasoline, whereas in California, it equates to approximately $2.70 per gallon.
"An average driver covering 15,000 miles per year could save an estimated $1,800 annually by switching to an EV."
— Janelle London, Coltura
When considering an EV for financial savings, other factors should be weighed:
- Maintenance: EVs generally incur lower maintenance costs, primarily requiring tire replacements.
- Insurance: EV insurance premiums can be higher.
- Charging Infrastructure: Home charging is often more convenient and cost-effective than public charging stations. Drivers may need to install a dedicated, higher-speed charger, which involves an initial installation expense. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a calculator to aid in charging infrastructure decisions.
Transportation Alternatives
Another method for reducing fuel consumption involves utilizing alternative transportation options.
- Active Transport: Surveys from apps such as Veo and WeWard indicate that a notable portion of users are opting for walking, biking, or scooter use to replace car trips. Veo reports an average trip length of 1.9 miles.
- Public Transit: Data from the Transit app revealed a slight decrease in national public transit ridership during March. Stephen Miller of Transit noted that historically, substantial shifts from driving to public transit occur only when gasoline prices remain elevated for an extended duration. Overall, transit ridership has been gradually increasing year-over-year but has not yet fully recovered from the decline observed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Individuals, such as Jerick White in Houston, have transitioned to e-bikes for local errands due to rising automotive expenses. White reported that the e-bike is reliable for neighborhood travel and offers benefits such as traffic avoidance.
Budgetary Adjustments
Some individuals choose to accommodate higher fuel costs by reallocating spending in other areas. Julie and Vince Rossi, who reside full-time in an RV, reported that their fuel budget has doubled. They are adjusting their budget for a cross-country trip by prioritizing free attractions to offset their increased diesel expenditures. Julie Rossi stated they either seek the lowest fuel prices or cut spending elsewhere.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has discouraged Californians from filling up at Chevron stations, citing state policy disputes. Chevron moved its headquarters out of California in 2024 and is currently purchasing oil through an offshore pipeline that the state has attempted to shut down.