a new survey from AAA found that two-thirds of Americans felt gas prices were too expensive a few weeks ago at $3.53 per gallon.
With the national average at an all-time high of more than $4.33, Americans may be at a tipping point. Close to 60% said they would make changes to their driving habits or lifestyle if the cost of gas rose to $4 per gallon. If gas were to reach $5, which happened in California, three-quarters said they would need to adjust their lifestyle to offset the spike at the pump.
Delaware’s surge in gas prices was temporarily halted late in the week. Convenience store chain and price leader Wawa unexpectedly dropped prices by a dime or so to $4.20 a gallon for regular at many locations on Friday, AAA’s Fuel Finder reported. Rival Royal Farms kept the price of regular unleaded at $4.29
Some independents were charging as little as $4.15 a gallon for regular.
DELAWARE AVERAGE GAS PRICES
| Time period | Regular | Mid-Grade | Premium | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Avg. | $4.275 | $4.611 | $4.848 | $5.142 |
| Yesterday Avg. | $4.285 | $4.594 | $4.829 | $5.103 |
| Week Ago Avg. | $3.894 | $4.112 | $4.351 | $4.284 |
| Month Ago Avg. | $3.518 | $3.851 | $4.098 | $3.880 |
| Year Ago Avg. | $2.747 | $3.121 | $3.349 | $3.035 |
Among Americans who said they would make changes in response to higher gas prices, 80% said they would opt to drive less, with some differences among age groups:
“While many Americans may adapt their daily habits to make up for higher gas prices, it likely won’t have a significant impact on summer travel,” said Jana Tidwell, spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic, Wilmington. “AAA’s survey found that 52% of Americans plan to take a vacation this summer. Of those planning a vacation, 42% said they would not consider changing their travel plans regardless of the price of gas.”
These are numbers not seen at the pump since the financial crisis in 2008, the highest on record until this week AAA historic data is not adjusted for inflation).
No relief over the short term to mid-term is expected as negotiations broke down between invading Russia and Ukraine overcoming long odds to battle the much larger foe.
To find the lowest prices in your area, log on to AAA’s Fuel Finder.
