AAA Reports Fuel Prices up for Thanksgiving Holiday
17 November 2000
AAA Reports Fuel Prices up for Thanksgiving Holiday
BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 16 The average price of self-serve
regular unleaded gasoline has increased 1.8 cents since Labor Day to
$1.661 per gallon and is 30.4 cents higher than last year.
The national average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline has
increased two cents since mid-October to $1.547 per gallon.
High fuel and travel costs aren't discouraging travelers this Thanksgiving
holiday. A record 38.9 million Americans plan to travel 100 miles or more from
home even though the national average cost of gasoline rising more than
25 cents a gallon from one year ago and airfares increasing an average of
13 percent since last Thanksgiving.
For the nearly 31.6 million travelers who will go by motor vehicle, AAA
suggests the following tips to conserve gasoline:
-- Keep tires properly inflated and check the engine oil level.
-- Accelerate gently, brake gradually and avoid hard stops. Quick
acceleration and speeds requiring hard braking waste fuel.
-- Don't let the vehicle idle for more than a few minutes; idling wastes
more fuel than restarting the engine.
-- Combine errands into one trip or go to one location to take care of as
many errands as possible.
-- Pack lightly when traveling and avoid carrying items on the vehicle's
roof, which increases wind resistance.
-- Reduce costs by not purchasing mid-grade or premium fuel, unless it's
recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.
-- Shop for the lowest gas price.
Be prepared for winter driving conditions, especially if your travel plans
include driving through the mountain areas or in Eastern Washington. Be sure
to pack chains, an ice scraper, small shovel, traction materials, flashlight,
booster cables, warning devices, a first-aid kit, water, food, warm clothing
and a blanket. And, don't forget snacks and entertainment if you're traveling
with kids ... give them a map to follow along, bring travel games and
workbooks.
Area by Area Comparison of
Self-serve Regular Unleaded Fuel Prices
City Thanksgiving Labor Day Thanksgiving
Holiday 2000 2000 Holiday 1999
Bellevue 1.720 1.712 1.392
Bellingham 1.662 1.675 1.389
Bremerton 1.609 1.579 1.359
Everett 1.676 1.670 1.373
Lynnwood 1.725 1.666 1.368
Olympia 1.653 1.608 1.348
Renton 1.648 1.618 1.348
Seattle 1.726 1.697 1.406
Tacoma 1.667 1.623 1.322
Tri-Cities 1.620 1.566 1.247
Vancouver 1.672 1.640 1.342
Wenatchee 1.596 1.701 1.390
Yakima 1.619 1.602 1.357
Averages 1.661 1.643 1.357