Gasoline Prices Up 15% From Last Month

According to Kiplinger.com gasoline prices will continue to rise slowly, but steadily in 2021. This view is supported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration and other authorities on the subject. Thankfully no one is projecting the extreme prices we had from 2008 to 2014, possibly because of demand being low during the pandemic, but they are definitely going to rise from the low prices we have become used to. As this post was written, the national average for regular was $2.40 per gal and diesel $2.64, up 15 cents per gallon from this time last month. An end to the pandemic which we all hope for will likely increase demand pushing prices higher faster.

Back to Fuel Savings Basics

In 2020, with gasoline prices as low as we have seen since 2004, and so many other concerns about keeping employees safe during the pandemic at the forefront, reducing fuel spend was just not our focus. In 2021 we will need to get back to basics when it comes to keeping an eye out for fuel waste.

Many consumer sites like AAA offer tips for consumers on how to save fuel. Back in 2007 when gasoline prices spiked over $3.00 per gallon, businessfleet.com published a great list of 20 ways for fleets to save fuel. Here is their list with some brief explanations. To get the full details and statistics that support their conclusions, you can read their post here.

20 Ways to Save Fuel

1. Avoid Excess Idling – you get 0 mpg at idle.
2. Get a Fleet Fuel Card – control what drivers can buy, monitor for fuel theft, and identify top spenders for further review.
3. Clean Out the Truck and Eliminate Unnecessary Weight – less weight improves mpg.
4. Keep Tires Inflated to the Correct Pressure – underinflated tires reduce mpg.
5. Use Cruise Control During Highway Driving – fewer changes in speed increase mpg.
6. Don’t Buy Premium Fuel unless the vehicle requires it.
7. Drive the Posted Speed Limit – speeding reduces mpg.
8. Monitor Preventive Maintenance Schedules – basics like air filters and oil viscosity affect mpg.
9. Make Drivers Energy Conscious – help them to be more efficient drivers.
10. Use A/C Sparingly – using A/C only when needed and vents when it is cooler outside saves fuel.
11. Park in the Shade – keeps interior cooler and prevents fuel evaporation.
12. Encourage Carpooling when possible.
13. Make Your Vehicle More Aerodynamic – avoid anything that creates wind drag.
14. Purchase Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
15. Anticipate Traffic Flow – accelerate and decelerate smoothly
16. Avoid Aggressive Driving
17. Avoid Uphill Speed Increases
18. Check the Web for the Best Fuel Deals – check out GasBuddy.com
19. Fill Up in Mild Weather – get more fuel density for your dollars at cooler times rather than the heat of the day.
20. Use a wholesale club or grocery store – Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s

The bottom line is it is time to get back to a fuel savings mindset. Fleet management technology is designed to give you the insight you need into your fuel spend and much, much more. Contact Fleetistics for more ideas on increasing visibility and lowering overall fleet costs.