Experts: Gas prices may set spring records

COLLINGDALE, Pa. - April 4k 2012 (WPVI) -- Gas prices keep creeping up and experts expect the trend to continue.

$4 a gallon gasoline could be in our near future.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) reported Wednesday that the national average for a gallon of regular gas stands at $3.93.

That's the same as the average price in Philadelphia, up 2 cents overnight and 6 cents in the last week alone.

The highest average last year was $4.05 a gallon. Analysts predict we could eclipse that this month.

And the highest average ever recorded was back in 2008 when the price shot up to $4.16. Experts say we could break that record this spring. "I think gas prices are outrageous," said motorist Lillian Matthews of Darby, Pa.

Lillian and other drivers are changing their routines to save money.

"I don't go out on my days off from work. I stay home," she said.

"Actually every now and then I get on SEPTA and catch the bus because that's only $22.50 a week," said Leonard Worley of Darby.

Automotive experts say you can also net significant savings by following a few easy tips.

"Get everything out of the car that doesn't need to be there," said AAA Automotive Manager Mark Dooling. "Winter's officially over. Take the sandbags out, get rid of it. That's like carrying a couple extra people around all day long. Secondly, drive only to the speeds you need to."

Also, take the cruise control off when you hit a hill or incline.

"It depends on the individual vehicle but you could be talking about saving between 5 and 25 cents a gallon," said Dooling.

And shop around. On Wednesday we saw a station on McDade Boulevard selling unleaded for $3.95 a gallon, 2 cents OVER the average, while just down the street, a Sunoco station was selling unleaded for 10 cents less!

"No, it's not an accident," said Sunoco Franchisee Executive Salvatore Lo Piccolo. "We make sure every day we go out and be as competitive as possible and give people the best value we can give them."

And according to AAA, those savings will become ever more important this spring.

"Our analysts have predicted we could reach as high as $4.25 a gallon," said AAA's Jenny Robinson.

What's to blame? Primarily speculation due to uncertainty in the market.

When looking for the cheapest gas where you are, don't forget to use our Gas Price Check. All you have to do is type in your city and state or zip code.

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gas prices, delaware county, consumer news, nydia han

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