The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Iowa is a few pennies cheaper than the national average, but not many, if any, Iowa motorists are excited about that fact. Triple-A Iowa reports the average pump price in the state is close to $3.25 a gallon.
Spokesperson Phil Wedgwood says it’s beginning to impact Iowans’ driving habits. Some motorists are moving to hybrid vehicles, while others are consolidating their trips. "People are still traveling and driving, but I think (the high gas prices) have made people more conscious about the number of trips they’re taking, where they’re driving and what they’re driving," Wedgwood said.
Prices in some parts of the country have already topped the $4 mark. Average prices nationwide are expected to hit a record high of $3.50 a gallon soon. "In Iowa, if we see national prices averaging close to that four dollar mark, if we don’t hit it, I’d say we’ll be close to it," Wedgwood said. Oil prices rose yesterday, but remain below last week’s record of $112 a barrel.
Wedgwood says that’s only one piece of the puzzle. He says gas prices also increase in the Spring because of the change in fuel additives, which are more expensive than those used in the Fall and Winter. Wedgwood says Iowans can significantly increase their fuel economy if the just drive a few miles an hour below the posted speed limit.
"I’ve been driving about five miles an hour under the 70 mile per hour limit on the interstate and I’ve been getting about 40 to 50 miles more out of a tank of gas," Wedgwood said. The most expensive price for regular unleaded gas in Iowa on Monday was reported in Cedar Rapids and Sioux City, at $3.36 a gallon, according to Triple-A’s website .