According to a recent report, unleaded regular gas underwent a 14% price jump if you consider the national average gas price. The report cited AAA data, which says that nationwide, the price of gas has increased by over 40 cents per gallon since the start of the year.

Experts claim the increase is due to a “spring bump.” The term describes the period when people travel more as warmer weather sets in. This drives up prices because there is increased demand for gasoline.

Gasoline has three primary grades: regular, mid-grade, and premium. Different octane levels influence engine performance and efficiency.

Premium gas has the highest octane rating and is recommended for high-performance engines to prevent knocking and aid longevity. It is more expensive, but the correct grade will save you money in the long run because it optimizes vehicle performance.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) maintains a running tally of the retail price of gas. The current national average is $3.634 per gallon for regular fuel. For comparison, the highest recently recorded national average price for regular unleaded gas was $5.016 in June 2022. California is currently paying the most for gas, averaging $5.083 per gallon.

Gas prices have been subject to significant fluctuations in the past ten years. Graphical analysis shows that they typically peak during the summer months and attain lows in winter, reflecting seasonal demand changes. Understanding such trends can help consumers anticipate changes in gas expenses.

Some experts describe the “spring bump” as a customer behavior pattern that sees increased demand for more fuel as they embark on more trips in warmer weather.

To meet this demand, companies and gas refineries started selling a more expensive but environmentally friendly blend of summer fuel, further increasing the price of gas.

Boosted gasoline consumption has direct environmental implications. It is more costly, but switching to a summer blend can help reduce these impacts during months of high vehicle use. The blend’s formulation helps decrease evaporative emissions, contributing to cleaner air during the warmer months.

atrick de Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, has suggested that this price increase was expected. “Spring break travel is here. This is the time of year Americans start using more gasoline… We’re basically right on par with what we tend to see,” said de Haan.

Drivers complain about rising gas prices when they happen, but demand for gas continues to increase.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration has forecasted that more people will travel with their gas-powered vehicles than in past years. The prediction claims that driver miles in 2024 will be 5% more than in 2019 and 6% more in 2025.

As investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power increase, the shift towards cleaner energy could reduce the gasoline demand.

While the current gas price jump is expected, there are still reasons to worry that the price may continue to rise. De Haan says the crude oil market is experiencing supply limitations, and factors like geopolitical conflicts worldwide could contribute to market disruptions.

Some gas customers may find it confusing that the price of gas at the pump is going up despite U.S. oil production being at historic levels. After all, according to International Energy Statistics show, the United States is producing 12.9 million barrels a day, more than any nation has ever produced.

According to the Center for Strategic & International Studies, the U.S.’s status as a net oil exporter has reshaped global oil markets, thereby influencing global pricing strategies. Exporting oil means that domestic production impacts more than just the country’s gas prices; it also affects international markets. 

To explain this discrepancy, let’s examine the amount of oil the U.S. exports. Not 100% of the oil the U.S. produces goes to its citizens. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the United States exported petroleum to around 180 countries and four U.S. territories in 2022.

Experts suggest that gas prices may continue fluctuating due to factors such as oil production levels, technological advancements in the energy sector, and geopolitical events (via IEA). However, increased refinery capacity and improvements in fuel efficiency could moderate future price spikes.

To cope with rising gas prices, consumers can adopt several strategies, including fuel-efficient driving practices, regular vehicle servicing, and using apps to find the best gas prices. These simple changes can significantly improve fuel economy, helping drivers save money despite the highly volatile gas prices.

According to De Haan, gas prices will likely return to normal as the weather turns cold again in the fall. Supply and demand will become a better balance when this happens, as more gas customers will be off the roads sheltering from the weather. “By the end of the year, lower gas prices will return,” de Haan said.