While the ongoing conflict in Iran is contributing to pain at the pump, an issue closer to home is a key reason drivers are paying more than $4 a gallon for the first time in four years.
The average price for a gallon of gas in Green Bay jumped from $3.69 last week to $4.22 this week. While still well below the record high of $4.85 in 2022, it is more than a dollar higher than this time last year, when the average price was $2.98.
Drivers were beginning to see some relief as tensions in Iran eased, but an outage at BP’s refinery in Whiting, Indiana, combined with an ongoing labor dispute, is driving a sudden increase in gas prices across the Midwest.
It has been even worse for diesel users, who are now paying $5.03 a gallon, up from $4.86 a week ago and $3.20 a year ago.
Bluewater Services owner John Mastalir said that while his industrial waste accounts are subject to a fuel surcharge based on market prices, the same is not true for his commercial waste accounts. Until the conflict in Iran and issues at the refinery are resolved, higher fuel costs are something his business will have to absorb.
While the savings may amount to only a dollar or two per fill-up, avoiding rapid acceleration and braking, maintaining proper tire pressure, using cruise control on highways and removing excess weight are all ways to reduce fuel costs. AARP also recommends joining fuel loyalty programs, using apps to find more efficient routes and lower prices, and keeping your tank at least one-quarter full.
