Gas prices are on the rise in Central Virginia. Here’s why

RICHMOND, Va. — As drivers all through Central Virginia hit the roads this week, many on spring break from space colleges, they may doubtless discover increased costs on the gasoline pump.

Monday’s common worth per gallon in Virginia rose to $3.40, which is up about 9 cents from final week.

“It adjustments my journey plans positively,” defined Henrico County particular training instructor, William Pittman.

Pittman mentioned Richmond’s common worth of $3.42 per gallon of normal gasoline has him selecting to spend his trip at house.

“In every single place you go now it is like you must actually calculate whether or not it’s price it going there,” he famous. “After which your cash is not going almost so far as it was just a few months in the past.”

However why are costs rising?

”We’re seeing plenty of issues coming collectively all on the identical time,” mentioned AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman Morgan Dean. “That is that heat climate journey that we’re beginning to see increased demand on the pumps.”

Along with increased demand, Sunday’s announcement from the Group of the Petroleum Exporting International locations (OPEC) that they might be slicing oil manufacturing has despatched crude oil costs up about $5 to greater than $84 a barrel.

“About 55% of what we pay on the pump is straight associated to the value of crude oil,” Dean famous.

Spring Break journey additionally hits concurrently the yearly changeover from the winter mix of gasoline to the summer season mix, in keeping with AAA.

“That changeover itself often provides 10 cents to twenty cents to the value,” acknowledged Dean.

As you put together to refill your tank, there are steps you’ll be able to take to chop down on these rising prices.

AAA suggests you obtain the AAA app or one other worth saving app like Fuel Buddy to search out the most cost effective costs close to you.

You must also get your automobile checked out to be sure to are maximizing your mileage.

“Get the tire strain checked out,” mentioned Dean. “Below inflated tires, there’s extra of that tire that is hitting towards the highway that truly brings down your miles per gallon. So it is such as you’re paying much more per tank of gasoline, and no person needs to try this.”

And eventually, specialists recommend you check out a rewards card to get a refund on gasoline as a result of they are saying each penny counts.

Whereas costs could appear increased proper now than they’ve been the previous few months, AAA notes drivers had been paying about $0.66 extra per gallon this time final 12 months.