AAA Reports Fuel Prices up for Thanksgiving Holiday
17 November 2000
AAA Reports Fuel Prices up for Thanksgiving HolidayBELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 16 The average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline has increased 1.8 cents since Labor Day to $1.661 per gallon and is 30.4 cents higher than last year. The national average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline has increased two cents since mid-October to $1.547 per gallon. High fuel and travel costs aren't discouraging travelers this Thanksgiving holiday. A record 38.9 million Americans plan to travel 100 miles or more from home even though the national average cost of gasoline rising more than 25 cents a gallon from one year ago and airfares increasing an average of 13 percent since last Thanksgiving. For the nearly 31.6 million travelers who will go by motor vehicle, AAA suggests the following tips to conserve gasoline: -- Keep tires properly inflated and check the engine oil level. -- Accelerate gently, brake gradually and avoid hard stops. Quick acceleration and speeds requiring hard braking waste fuel. -- Don't let the vehicle idle for more than a few minutes; idling wastes more fuel than restarting the engine. -- Combine errands into one trip or go to one location to take care of as many errands as possible. -- Pack lightly when traveling and avoid carrying items on the vehicle's roof, which increases wind resistance. -- Reduce costs by not purchasing mid-grade or premium fuel, unless it's recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. -- Shop for the lowest gas price. Be prepared for winter driving conditions, especially if your travel plans include driving through the mountain areas or in Eastern Washington. Be sure to pack chains, an ice scraper, small shovel, traction materials, flashlight, booster cables, warning devices, a first-aid kit, water, food, warm clothing and a blanket. And, don't forget snacks and entertainment if you're traveling with kids ... give them a map to follow along, bring travel games and workbooks. Area by Area Comparison of Self-serve Regular Unleaded Fuel Prices City Thanksgiving Labor Day Thanksgiving Holiday 2000 2000 Holiday 1999 Bellevue 1.720 1.712 1.392 Bellingham 1.662 1.675 1.389 Bremerton 1.609 1.579 1.359 Everett 1.676 1.670 1.373 Lynnwood 1.725 1.666 1.368 Olympia 1.653 1.608 1.348 Renton 1.648 1.618 1.348 Seattle 1.726 1.697 1.406 Tacoma 1.667 1.623 1.322 Tri-Cities 1.620 1.566 1.247 Vancouver 1.672 1.640 1.342 Wenatchee 1.596 1.701 1.390 Yakima 1.619 1.602 1.357 Averages 1.661 1.643 1.357