Gas Prices Increase 18 Cents Since Mid-February, AAA Reports
13 March 2000
Gas Prices Increase 18 Cents Since Mid-February, AAA ReportsBELLEVUE, 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.