Gas prices climbing at an accelerated pace

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- If you haven’t received your gasoline credit card statement this month, brace yourself. The prices at the pump have gone up over 40 cents since last month. In the past thirty days gasoline prices have increased two to three cents a day, and after going up for 34 straight days, gas prices are at a four-month high.

Major oil companies cite three reasons for the increase. The improved economy is consuming more gasoline, production cuts, and refinery closings. It sounds paradoxical that when consumers are purchasing more gasoline, refineries are being shut down affecting the production levels. In truth, the closing of east coast refineries just prior to Hurricane Sandy as a safety precaution, disrupted production, and fires at two Chevron refineries on the west coast have contributed to the gasoline shortfall. Preventative maintenance and changes in gasoline blends for climate changes, have necessitated additional shutdowns. All of this has affected the volume of production; so the demand is up, but the supply remains low. Gas prices are only going to go up as the demand climbs during the summer months. The rise in price is certainly detrimental to local businesses like the Woodlands Courier Service.

“Although my delivery charges include a fuel surcharge, for the benefit of my customers my rates can’t fluctuate like gas prices do,” said Joe Witcraft, owner of the Woodlands Courier Service. “My rate is based on an average of the gasoline prices from the previous year. If gasoline exceeds that average rate…well, if I lose, I lose.”

Automobile owners can do several things to improve their cars performance and help fuel economy. Christian Brothers Automotive made the following recommendations:

- Tune up and fuel injection cleaning – Changing out of inefficient parts, and cleaning the fuel injectors to produce a better mist of gas, will use less gas and help the car perform better.

- Upper engine decarbonization – running a cleaner through the engine’s upper intake which removes the carbon buildup off the valves, pistons, plugs, plug seats, and any sensors in the air-fuel ratio. Cleaner parts will provide better consumption, power, and better fuel economy.

- Oil filter and oil change – Removal of old sludged and sticky oil that gums up your engine will have less friction and stress on the engine parts, and improve fuel economy. The use of synthetic oil is recommended for the best performance.

“Although this short list looks like it would exceed the increase in gas prices, by not taking care of the preventative maintenance and running your car efficiently, the repairs can be extensive and expensive,” said Jeff Toth, owner of Christian Brothers Automotive. “By doing these things you’ll maximize the fuel efficiency and economy.”

Christian Brothers Automotive has three convenient locations in the community…4460 Panther Creek Pine, The Woodlands; 2655 Rayford Road, Spring; and 6872 FM 1488, Magnolia.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that the national average is 3.77; The Woodlands area is currently 25 to 30 cents lower. Major news sources are reporting that prices will continue to climb another 50 cents as gas prices are 10 percent higher in the Spring, though the escalation in gas prices is occurring earlier than previous spring seasons. To offset the increase in gas prices, drivers can shop around. Gasoline in obscure locations is typically cheaper, but there’s no savings if you have to drive considerably out of the way. Inside The Woodlands, the two stations with the lowest gas prices for regular octane are:

Murphy USA at 1045 Sawdust Rd near Grogans Mill Rd…$3.44

Valero stations at 8101 Woodlands Pkwy & Ashlane & 1480 Sawdust Rd & Sawmill Rd … $3.45 & 3.47

Outside The Woodlands borders, the lowest price was located at the Conoco station at 16058 Bridlewood Dr & FM-1488… $3.39

Other ‘exterior’ stations with favorable pricing:

Valero station at 172 FM-1488 & IH-45…$3.45

Randall’s at 9420 College Park Dr & FM-1488…$3.45

All other area stations are at $3.50 and higher. Neighbors can help each other out by posting low gas prices on their social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and on the Woodlands Online Facebook page too.

Gas prices will continue to climb with Spring Break approaching, daylight savings time, followed by the summer vacation season. Driving more fuel-efficient vehicles is recommended by the major oil companies, but in February the two top-selling vehicles were pickup trucks…the Ford F-Series, and the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra (essentially the same truck according to AutoGuide.com).

To save on your gasoline bill consider consolidating errands, eliminating excessive and unnecessary trips, and planning ‘stay-cations’ here in The Woodlands. Lowering the demand will drive lower gas prices.