Gas prices in Bucks County, nation continue to rise. How to save as cost nears $4 a gallon

Damon C. Williams and Janet Loehrke, Bucks County Courier Times
·3 min read
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Unleaded fuel prices — which are up nearly 20% since the start of the year — are still on the rise, although at a slower pace than at the beginning of 2023.

That may be concerning for Bucks County travelers who are planning to take fall road trips, as AAA warns that these prices represent the peak of gas costs so far this year.

According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas hit $3.88 earlier this week, only to drop few cents later in the week.

AAA noted that Friday’s average is $3.86 — a penny more than a week ago.

"The recent drop in the national average, while small, is typical this time of year as much of the country makes the switch to less expensive winter blend gasoline,” said AAA spokesman Andrew Gross said in a release. "But the gradual seasonal decline in prices is being slowed by higher oil costs."

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Winter blend gas is a type of fuel that must be able to evaporate at low temperatures, such as in the fall and winter, for the engine to operate properly.

Summer blend gas prevents excessive evaporation when outside temperatures rise.

How much is gas in Bucks County

According to AAA's real time gas price index, the national average is $3.859 per gallon, while in Pennsylvania, the average cost of a gallon of gas is $3.924.

In Bucks County, the average price for a gallon of gas as of Friday is $3.932.

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While gas prices in Bucks County are higher than the national and state average, the county's gas prices are generally in line with gas costs in neighboring counties.

For example, gas is $3.849 in Lehigh County, $3.939 in Montgomery County, $3,846 in Northampton County, and $3.959 in Philadelphia.

Despite the rise in gas prices, tanks are being filled around Bucks County, like this Wawa station in Bristol Township.
Despite the rise in gas prices, tanks are being filled around Bucks County, like this Wawa station in Bristol Township.

Why are gas prices rising?

During the past decades, prices at the pump have closely followed changes in oil supply, according to the Energy Information Administration. Gas prices typically increase as the oil supply declines. That often happens when oil production is reduced or there are delays at refineries or along gas pipelines, which restrict supplies and drive up oil prices.

AAA national gas price comparison index. Gas prices in 2023 are higher than they've been since at least 2019.
AAA national gas price comparison index. Gas prices in 2023 are higher than they've been since at least 2019.

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Tips on preserving fuel, saving on gas prices this fall

In the face of rising gas prices, there are several steps drivers can take to mitigate fuel costs and reduce gas usage.

Minimizing the use of air conditioning, consolidating errands into as few trips as possible, and if one owns multiple cars, chose the one that has the best fuel efficiency.

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To preserve gas, AAA suggests remove unnecessary and bulky items, as it takes more fuel to carry heavier loads, and to minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Gas prices near me: Bucks sees cost rise, tick closer to $4 a gallon