You pull up to the pump, watch the numbers spin past $50, and the nozzle still hasn't clicked off. Sound familiar? You're not imagining it.
What's going on with gas prices
As of May 7, the national average for regular was $4.55 a gallon. That's up 25 cents in a single week, the second week in a row with that kind of jump, and $1.40 more than this time last year. AAA says prices are at their highest since 2022, pointing to global supply worries tied to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz (AAA).
This didn't come out of nowhere. In March, gas prices posted their biggest one-month jump since the government started tracking them in 1967, up 21.2%. They were 18.9% higher than a year earlier (BLS).
Here's the thing: you can't fix the Middle East from your driveway. But how you drive and where you fill up still make a real difference.
7 moves that can help
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Ease off the gas pedal.
- Why it works: fast starts and hard braking waste fuel. The Department of Energy says aggressive driving can cut your mileage by roughly 15% to 30% on the highway and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic ( FuelEconomy.gov ).
- What it can save: if you buy 12 gallons a week at $4.55 (about $55), driving calmer could keep $8 or more a week in your pocket. (Illustrative.)
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Slow down a little on the highway.
- Why it works: most cars get worse mileage the faster you go above about 50 mph. Use cruise control on open highways to keep your speed steady.
- What it can save: a few dollars a tank, and on a long holiday drive that adds up fast.
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Clear out the trunk.
- Why it works: every extra 100 pounds can lower your mileage by about 1% ( FuelEconomy.gov ).
- What it can save: small on its own, but it's free and takes ten minutes.
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Think twice about the roof box.
- Why it works: a rooftop cargo box can cut fuel economy by 10% to 25% at interstate speeds of 65 to 75 mph ( FuelEconomy.gov ). Pack inside the car if you can, or take the box off when you get there.
- What it can save: on a 500-mile trip, potentially a gallon or more.
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Stop idling.
- Why it works: idling burns a quarter to half a gallon an hour, depending on your engine and whether the AC is running ( FuelEconomy.gov ). Waiting in the school pickup line? Engine off.
- What it can save: up to about $2 for every hour you don't idle at today's prices.
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Shop the price, not the corner.
- Why it works: prices can vary a lot between stations just a mile apart. A gas price app or your map app's fuel prices will show you before you pull in.
- What it can save: 20 cents a gallon on a 15-gallon fill-up is $3, every time.
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Check for a cash price and fuel rewards.
- Why it works: some stations post a lower price for cash. Grocery and warehouse-club fuel programs can knock cents off per gallon, if you'd shop there anyway.
- What it can save: a few dollars a tank. Just don't buy groceries you don't need to "earn" the discount.
Who this helps most
- Families planning a Memorial Day road trip: moves 2, 3 and 4 matter most on long highway drives.
- Commuters: moves 1, 5 and 6 add up every single week.
- Retirees and anyone on a fixed budget: an extra $10 to $20 a month on gas is worth chasing.
Try this this week: fill up at the cheapest station within two miles of your normal route, then reset your trip meter and drive the whole tank "easy." See how far it gets you compared with your usual.
Small moves, real money.
Sources
- AAA, National Average Rises 25 Cents for Second Straight Week , May 7, 2026
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index, March 2026 , released April 10, 2026
- U.S. Department of Energy, FuelEconomy.gov: Driving More Efficiently
Prices change daily and vary by location. Savings are not guaranteed. This article is for general information.