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Shelley Osterloh ReportingFilling up at the gas pump means digging deeper into your wallet. Gas prices in Utah--and across the country--are going up.
It costs more tonight to drive home than it did yesterday. The average price of gas in Utah went up 2 cents a gallon, just from yesterday, and consumers we spoke with aren't happy about the trend.
Holly Berube, Orem: " I noticed the prices are going up and its out of control
Kevin Elzey Cedar Hills: "It was shocking when I got gas the other day. Very shocking."
Nationally the average price of regular self serve gas is $1.97. In Utah it is $1.95. But yesterday it was $1.93. That's about 20 cents more than a year ago at this time.
AAA's website show rising prices all across the country. Somewhat surprising since US inventory is as high as its been since 1999, but crude oil prices are at more than 53 dollars a barrel.
Rolayne Fairclough, AAA: "And so while we are seeing that prices are going up, this is volatile market; barrel prices and gas futures are speculations and it’s not necessarily in stone."
At one Salt Lake intersection we found stations at three corners selling for $1.94, $1.91 and $1.89. A couple blocks away a woman fills her tank for $1.98 a gallon.
Other ways to make your gas dollar go further, keep your engine tuned and filters and fluids clean; drive sensibly as rapid acceleration and braking wastes gas; make fewer trips and unload your car so you drive a lighter vehicle; and when the price of gas goes up, some people switch to fuel efficient cars, which means good news for this car salesman.
Another really good tip for conserving fuel is to make sure the tire pressure is right for you car. Remember how tough it is to ride bike with a flat tire? It takes more fuel for the gas to keep the car on low tires going too.
