Gas Prices Elevated Amid Geopolitical Tensions: 8 Strategies to Reduce Fuel Costs

By Madison Hoff and Juliana Kaplan

!Drivers filling up at a gas station

*Joe Raedle/Getty Images*

Drivers have limited control over national average gas prices, which stood at $4.076 per gallon for regular unleaded as of the most recent Friday reported, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This figure represents an increase from approximately $3.84 per gallon a month earlier. For context, the national average peaked at $5.016 per gallon in June 2022, indicating current levels are elevated but below that high.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including those involving Iran, have contributed to fluctuations in oil markets. Iran stated on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to maritime traffic, potentially allowing more oil from the Persian Gulf region to reach global markets. However, analysts note it may take time for any such increase in supply to affect U.S. pump prices.

These price levels have prompted some drivers to adjust their habits, such as reducing trips or reviewing budgets. Vehicle maintenance and trip planning can help improve fuel efficiency, according to experts.

"Take care of your vehicle, and it'll take care of you," said David Bennett, senior automotive manager at AAA, a membership-based organization that provides roadside assistance, insurance discounts, and promotes vehicle maintenance services through its network of approved repair shops. "Take your time when you're on the roads, plan accordingly, plan ahead."

Here are eight strategies to potentially lower fuel spending, drawn from advice by Bennett and other sources.

Consider the Recommended Octane Rating

Bennett recommends checking a vehicle's owner's manual to determine the required octane rating rather than using a higher grade than necessary.

Manufacturers may recommend premium fuel such as 93 octane, "but 87 is OK," Bennett said. "Well, if it's just recommending it, that's not required. So at that case, then 87 or mid-grade 89 is perfectly acceptable, and the vehicle will run very efficiently and run fine versus you putting in the higher octane gas, which is costing you 20, 30 cents more a gallon."

Using the appropriate grade can reduce costs without affecting performance, per manufacturer guidelines.

Maintain Proper Vehicle Condition

Fuel efficiency often depends on keeping a vehicle in good working order, Bennett said.

He advises checking tire pressure regularly, as properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance. Most vehicles display the recommended pressure on a decal inside the driver's side door.

Address dashboard warning lights promptly. "That yellow check engine light is indicating that there is a fault within one of the engine management systems," Bennett explained. "You could have a bad sensor or bad wire that's causing it not to run as efficiently as it should."

Regular maintenance aligned with AAA's recommendations can help sustain efficiency.

!Mechanic checking a vehicle

*JJ Gouin/Getty Images*

Adjust Commute Timing

Bennett suggests remote work when feasible or shifting commutes to avoid peak traffic hours. In stop-and-go traffic, turn off the engine if idling for extended periods, as modern vehicles can restart quickly.

For road trips, travel outside rush hours. "The busy times are going to be in probably late afternoon, rush hour, things like that," Bennett said. "So do your driving either before or after, so that way you're not sitting in traffic idling."

David G., a 45-year-old consulting director in California, has shifted to working from home and uses an e-bike to transport his children to school. He indicated plans to minimize driving if prices stay high or rise further, potentially affecting vacations and other spending.

!Person on e-bike

*Darwin Brandis/Getty Images*

Monitor Driving Speed

Speeding reduces fuel economy, according to Bennett. "Your fuel economy essentially peaks around 50, 55 miles per hour on most cars," he said. "And then as you start to increase your speed, you could affect the gas mileage between 10 and 14%."

Federal highway data supports that efficiency drops at higher speeds due to increased aerodynamic drag.

Plan Efficient Routes

For errands or longer trips, map the shortest path. "Is it a loop? Instead of crisscrossing the city, let's see if there's a more efficient route to do this on all five stops," Bennett said.

Combining trips or carpooling shares the fuel load. "Think through your day," he added.

Remove Unnecessary Weight and Drag

Extra weight and aerodynamic drag lower mileage. Bennett advises clearing out unused items like sporting equipment, luggage, or roof carriers when not in use.

"Take that off," he said. "That's all going to create drag and then decrease your gas mileage."

Use Fuel Rewards Programs

Rewards from credit cards, grocery chains, or apps can offset costs. Austin Goodrich, a 41-year-old project manager in Michigan, accumulates points at Meijer grocery stores, redeeming 10,000 for $1 off per gallon. He fills his car and a five-gallon tank for lawn equipment.

Goodrich tracks promotions and has transferred prescriptions to the store to earn more points. He considered coordinating with family for additional redemptions but noted potential reluctance.

Seek Cheaper Gas Stations

Prices vary by location. Lora Monfared, head of consumer card products at Bank of America, recommends apps to find lower prices along routes, avoiding high-cost urban areas.

"Instead of pulling into the nearest gas station solely out of convenience, use a gas-finding app to pinpoint the cheapest fuel options along your route," she said.

Personal Adjustments to Higher Prices

Some drivers have made larger changes. Joshua Garcia, a 40-year-old logistics worker in Texas, drives 96 miles round-trip daily. In mid-December, he purchased an electric vehicle (EV), installing an at-home charger.

He estimates monthly charging at $79, compared to $750 he projected for gas amid Middle East unrest. Currently at break-even, Garcia anticipates annual savings of thousands if prices remain elevated over five years.

!Joshua Garcia with his EV

*Courtesy of Joshua Garcia*

These strategies, combined with historical context—such as the 2022 peak of over $5 per gallon—offer practical steps amid current prices around $4 per gallon. Drivers can verify local prices and vehicle specs for tailored application.

*Tags: Gas, Gas Prices, Savings, Transportation*

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