We’ve probably seen the last of the abnormally low gas prices we saw in the spring of 1999.
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Recent high prices for gasoline should remind the public to consider greater use of alternative and domestic fuels and energy efficiency measures, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center.
A survey conducted today, shows that the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Missouri is $1.53. Kansas City has the highest price at $1.64. The lowest price found in a variety of locations around the state is $1.39.
“We’ve probably seen the last of the abnormally low gas prices we saw in the spring of 1999,” said Anita Randolph, director of DNR’s Energy Center. “Although prices may moderate from today’s levels overall, consumers should expect summer gas prices that are substantially higher than those of last year. World oil production and gasoline stockpiles are less than last year’s supplies, and consumer demand for gasoline continues to increase. The high prices of this spring and winter should be a wakeup call for us to seriously consider the use of viable alternatives to gasoline, maximizing miles per gallon we get from gasoline and transportation modes other than personal vehicles.”
Experts had suggested for some time that the extremely low oil prices were atypical. A combination of supply and demand factors fed quickly rising prices last winter after hitting an all-time low in 1999. DNR’s Energy Center believes one solution is to diversify our energy choices. With more fuel choices available, market forces could help stabilize demand and give Missouri customers more freedom from outside influence over the state’s energy supplies. Alternative fuels can help the environment and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. (more) Workable alternative choices include such fuels as electricity, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, propane, compressed natural gas, ethanol, methanol, liquefied petroleum gas and soy diesel. Auto companies today are marketing gas-electric hybrid vehicles that get two or three times more miles to the gallon than conventional cars. Within a few years, cars run by fuel cells may be available that will vastly reduce or eliminate emissions and increase fuel efficiency. Recent prices for E-85 (85 percent ethanol), compressed natural gas and transportation propane have been comparable to, or better than, gasoline.
Energy use and production are closely linked to the health and well-being of Missouri’s people, environment and economy. Having worked for more than two decades to increase awareness of energy efficiency and viable alternative energy technologies, DNR’s Energy Center helps Missourians make good choices in their use and production of energy to protect the environment and foster economic prosperity. The center advocates the use of energy-efficient practices and renewable and alternative energy technologies to safeguard Missouri’s quality of life now and in the future.
There is little we as consumers, can do about the price at the pump, but there are measures we can take with our automobiles and driving habits to reduce the impact on our wallets. The average driver can easily save 30 percent of the annual cost of fuel. Proper driving techniques can save you an estimated 10 percent yearly, while maintenance techniques can save the additional 20 percent. These techniques are important no matter what the pump prices are:
* Avoid ‘jackrabbit’ starts. Smooth, moderate acceleration is an important key in attaining better mileage.
* Do not rev or race the engine. Revving your engine wastes fuel and is harmful to the engine. This practice pumps raw gas into the cylinders where it mixes with and dilutes the oil. This can also strip cylinders and moving parts of lubrication.
* Do not idle your engine. Turn your engine off if you stop for longer than one minute. Restarting uses less gasoline than a minute’s idling.
* Avoid fuel-wasting accessories. Running the air conditioner in stop-and-go traffic uses a lot of extra gasoline and costs a lot of extra money.
* Avoid excess weight. Heavier cars use more gasoline than similarly powered lighter cars. Check your car or truck and remove any unnecessary items. For every 100 pounds you remove, gas mileage increases from 1 percent to 4 percent, depending on the size of the car and the engine.
* Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which in turn decreases gas mileage. Check pressures when tires are cold. If the tire pressure is only six pounds per square inch (psi) less than the optimum, it will result in 3 percent more gas consumption.
* Use multi-grade oil. A quality SF (synthetic fuel) designated multi-grade oil such as 10W-30 can increase gas mileage from 2 percent to 10 percent.
* Get tune-ups. The average car on the road today could increase its gas mileage by 6 percent with a minor tune-up. A neglected car could realize 20 percent or more improvement with the same tune-up. Get newer cars serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
* Combine short trips. A car never gets a chance to reach top performance in short trips. A car that is capable of achieving 20 miles per gallon (mpg) when fully warmed may be getting only 12 mpg on a five-mile trip.
* Carpool. Arrange a carpool with your neighbors or coworkers. If you don’t know anyone to ride with, you can contact the Rideshare program nearest you and arrange to carpool with other commuters who live and work in the same vicinity. The results can be a savings of $300 to $1,000 a year in gasoline costs alone. For more information about the Rideshare program call in Jefferson City (573) 751-3155, in Kansas City (816) 842-RIDE and in St. Louis (800) VIP-RIDE.
* Take the bus. You can ride a bus in Missouri for $1 or less per trip. One bus with as few as seven passengers is more fuel-efficient than one single-passenger car. One person switching from driving alone to riding the bus can save approximately 200 gallons of gasoline per year. For more information on busing call in Jefferson City (573) 634-6477, in Kansas City (816) 221-0660 and in St. Louis (314) 982-1400.
* Walk or ride a bicycle when possible.