Gas prices continued to set new price records over the past week, but have backed off slightly in some areas, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. The average regular unleaded gas price for Hawaii is $5.27, which is one cent more than last week and another new state record. The average national price is $4.25, up 11 cents from a week ago.
In Honolulu, today’s average price for regular unleaded is $5.16, which is one cent higher than last week, one cent less than yesterday’s record $5.17 price, two cents higher than a month ago, and $1.42 higher than the price on this date last year. The Hilo average gas price is $5.31, down one cent from last Thursday’s price, two cents higher than a month ago, and $1.39 higher than on this date a year ago.
In Kahului, the average price is $5.42, which is another new record and four cents higher than last week, 20 cents higher than last month, and $1.65 higher than a year ago. Lihue’s average price for regular is $5.53, which is up four cents from last week but below yesterday’s $5.55 record, 10 cents higher than last month, and $1.55 higher than a year ago.
“Gas prices rose throughout the U.S. this past week because of continued supply concerns related to Russian oil,” said Liane Sumida, AAA Hawaii general manager. “Continued high gas prices have many consumers thinking about buying more fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles, and the new AAA Car Guide is now available to help them assess their options.”
More AAA Hawaii tips to save on fuel include:
- If you use premium unleaded fuel, make sure it is required for your vehicle, not just recommended. AAA’s Automotive Research Center found that vehicles with recommended premium fuel performed safely with regular unleaded gasoline.
- Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
- Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because you could lose control of the vehicle.
- Minimize your use of air conditioning.
- Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car.
- Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.
- Download the AAA Mobile app to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find AAA discounts, book a hotel and access AAA Roadside Assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/Mobile.
Prices as of 6 a.m., May 5:
