Are You Paying Too Much for Gas?

It's no secret that gas prices are climbing. As we take a look at our own records, we see that we were paying $2.81 per gallon in April of 2007. Today, we are paying $3.39. On a broader view, the average price of gas in Washington State has climbed from $3.088 a year ago to $3.634 today; and the average price of gas in the US has climbed from $2.872 to $3.472 in the same time. Looking at prices yesterday, a week ago, and a month ago, we are continuing to trend upward.*

Now, it's no secret who has the best prices! The GasBuddy.com network is a grass-roots community effort to lower gas prices. It is a network of 181 local gas price websites. Together, they report that in a typical city, gas prices vary by about 30-50 cents per gallon in the US. They believe that if everyone buys gas at the lower priced stations, it puts pressure on the higher priced stations to lower their gas prices since their sales will decrease. In effect, it makes gas stations more competitive.

Today, in Vancouver, there is a $0.30 per gallon spread on the reported gas prices. To find the best price in Vancouver, go to Vancouver WA Gas Prices.

If you live in another area of the country and want to check gas prices near you, go to GasBuddy.com.

Like what you see? GasBuddy.com will let you add a list of local gas prices to your website.

Want to get behind this grass-roots movement? Register to be a Gas Price Spotter.

As a member, you can:

• Post gas prices that you see while you are out, to help yourself and other people save money at the pumps
• Win great prizes like one of four $250 Pre-Paid gas cards!
• Keep track of your expenses with the Fuel LogBook.
• Easy entry of prices with Member Favorite Stations
• Earn points by participating in the website: entering gas prices, voting in the opinion poll, post messages on the message forum etc.
• Discuss various topics in the message forum

Let us know if you find this information useful!

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA

* Pricing data based on GasBuddy.com, April 18, 2008