Families Adjust Budgets To Cope With Rising Gas Prices

Drivers in Fair Oaks and Carmichael are reconsidering road trips and cutting back on unnecessary purchases to balance their budgets as gas prices continue to rise.

The average price of regular gasoline in Sacramento was $3.93 per gallon as of Wednesday, according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Prices have risen nearly $1 per gallon during the past year, and almost 50 cents just in the last month. The current price for a gallon of regular gasoline in California averages $3.97, compared to $3.46 one month ago, and $3.08 last year.

Fueling up her car at the Arco station at the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Marconi Avenue, Carmichael resident Bidya Pradhan said she has cut down on trips to the Bay Area. When she does travel, she and her husband carpool with friends rather than drive alone.

She chose the Arco station because it typically offers the lowest prices in the area, she said. On Wednesday, regular gasoline was $3.79 per gallon, far below the regional average.

“Costco is cheaper but the lines are so long,” Pradhan said.

Gas station customers have been complaining about the rising prices, said employee Jim Hazelhurst.

“People are asking why it’s so high,” Hazelhurst said. “Who is getting the profits?”

Higher gas prices drove Oroville resident Jack Bandy to buy a more fuel-efficient car, he said while fueling up his truck with FlexFuel at the Shell station on the corner of Madison Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard in Fair Oaks.

Bandy purchased the new car, which gets 37 miles to the gallon, two years ago when gas prices posted a steep increase. He now drives the car more often, he said. His truck, which takes FlexFuel is also economical, with prices at $3.29 per gallon. Regular gasoline at the station and at the 76 station across the street was $3.95 per gallon on Wednesday.

Not all can consider swapping out SUVs for more efficient vehicles, however. Middle school principal Karen Calkins said she needs a larger vehicle to drive students home and shuffle her own children to their activities.

“Maybe instead of gas we will cut down on something else, like eating out or frozen yogurt,” Calkins said.

AAA encourages drivers interested in cutting down fuel costs to shop around for the best price.

“One of the most important things motorists can do is shop aggressively for the best deal,” said Cynthia Harris, a spokesperson for AAA Northern California. “Taking a few extra minutes to compare prices in your area will save you money.”

With the advent of social media, there are new tools that can help motorists locate the lowest fuel prices in their area. GasBuddy.com offers a free smart phone app that allows users to compare gas prices using a map. However, the application is only as good as its users, who are responsible for updating prices in their area.

AAA also advises drivers that “gas is gas” – higher priced fuels are not better than lower priced ones. Basic maintenance such as checking tire pressure and replacing dirty air filters can also improve fuel efficiency. The Auto Club encourages drivers to maintain a steady speed and remove additional cargo from the trunk of the car, which will also increase a vehicle’s miles per gallon.