How to cope with rising gas prices on Long Island

Rising gasoline prices on Long Island are causing residents such as Marie Weiss to look for ways to lessen the impact.

The cost of gas has jumped nearly 10% since the Iran conflict disrupted the production and movement of oil in the Middle East.

“I watch the news, and it doesn’t look like this war is going to end soon, which means we’re going to see even higher prices at the pump,” said Weiss, 71, a retired teacher from Lynbrook.

“I’m filling up now because the price will be higher tomorrow. What else can I do?” she said outside Costco in Oceanside.

The average price of regular unleaded gasoline on Long Island was $3.13 per gallon on Friday, up 27 cents from Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel began strikes against Iran, according to AAA data. 

“It’s only going to get worse,” said Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager at AAA Northeast, "but there are steps you can take to improve your situation."

He and others advised motorists to maintain their vehicles, make fewer trips and change their driving habits to maximize the number of miles they get out of each tank.

Here are five things to know about coping with the rising cost of gasoline.

Can maintaining your vehicle help?

Sinclair said cars and trucks run more efficiently with new spark plugs and fuel injectors as well as regular oil changes. Fully synthetic oil can add one extra horsepower to the engine.

“Tire pressure is also critical and needs to be checked at least once a month and ideally once a week” he said, adding that fuel economy is reduced by 1% for every tire that’s underinflated by one pound of pressure.

What’s the best day of the week to fill up?

Sunday is the most affordable day, while midweek, particularly Wednesday through Friday, tends to be more expensive. Motorists can save 4 to 9 cents per gallon, according to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.com, the app that tracks gas prices nationwide.

How can I protect myself from the daily price increases?

Kevin Beyer, vice president of government affairs at the Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association, advised drivers to buy now or risk paying more in the future.

“If you're at a half tank, you might want to top it off at the lower rate because it could be 5  cents more tomorrow,” he said.

Beyer said motorists can maximize the mileage they get from each tank by making fewer trips with more stops. 

How can I avoid being overcharged?

Make sure the price advertised on the gas station’s sign is the same as the one on the pump, and check that it doesn’t change while you are pumping, the state Division of Consumer Protection said in a tip sheet.

Drivers also can often save “several cents per gallon” if they pay in cash, the division said.

How do I find the cheapest gas?

Sinclair said pump prices are generally lower at independent service stations, stations away from major thoroughfares and at warehouse clubs, such as Costco and BJ’s Wholesale, which offer lower rates to members and those with a store credit card.

“You also can make a tank go further by changing your driving style: Slow down, accelerate gently, brake gently,” he said.