Gas Prices Increase 18 Cents Since Mid-February, AAA Reports
13 March 2000
Gas Prices Increase 18 Cents Since Mid-February, AAA Reports
BELLEVUE, Wash., March 13 The average price of self-serve
regular unleaded gasoline in central and western Washington increased
18.2 cents per gallon since Presidents' Day to $1.585 per gallon, according to
a survey released today by AAA Washington.
AAA suggests the following tips to conserve on fuel and ultimately save
you money during this time of high fuel prices:
-- Carpool, vanpool, and use public transit whenever possible.
-- Consolidate your daily commute with necessary errands.
-- Find one location where you can take care of all banking, grocery
shopping and other chores. Comparison shop by phone, online or with
the newspaper.
-- Slow down -- the faster a vehicle travels the more gas it burns. Avoid
quick starts and sudden stops that waste fuel.
-- Routinely maintain your vehicle keeping tires inflated, moving
components properly lubricated and ignition and emission systems
operating properly. This will help your vehicle achieve maximum fuel
economy.
-- Check your vehicle owner's manual -- if your vehicle does not require
premium or mid-grade fuel, purchase less expensive regular unleaded
gas.
-- Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine.
-- Maintain steady speeds for the best fuel economy.
-- If you own more than one car, use the more energy-conserving vehicle as
often as possible.
-- Lighten your load -- don't haul extra weight.
Area by Area Comparison of Self-serve Regular Unleaded Fuel Prices
City March 13, Presidents' Day Holidays Presidents' Day
2000 2000 2000 1999
Bellevue 1.660 1.536 1.475 1.053
Bellingham 1.643 1.415 1.385 1.019
Bremerton 1.543 1.380 1.372 .967
Everett 1.591 1.393 1.395 1.072
Lynnwood 1.591 1.410 1.396 1.056
Olympia 1.577 1.392 1.366 1.062
Renton 1.571 1.398 1.355 .996
Seattle 1.637 1.447 1.426 1.080
Tacoma 1.547 1.385 1.367 1.019
Tri-Cities 1.488 1.300 1.257 .935
Vancouver 1.551 1.377 1.346 1.022
Wenatchee 1.650 1.415 1.396 1.050
Yakima 1.557 1.393 1.363 1.015
Averages 1.585 1.403 1.377 1.027
AAA Washington provides more than 632,000 members in western and central
Washington a full range of products and benefits, including full-service
travel agencies and personal lines insurance agencies in each of its
13 service centers; a range of auto-related services; a variety of financial
products, and member discounts on many consumer products and services.
Although its travel and insurance agencies are available to the general
public, AAA members benefit additionally from many special discounts and
exclusive programs. A not-for-profit organization, AAA Washington also
assists travelers through its highway and transportation safety and
legislative advocacy programs. More information about AAA Washington is
available on the company's website at http://www.aaawa.com.
CONTACT: Janet Ray, 425-646-2058, or Jennifer Harbison, 425-646-2055,
both of AAA Washington.