Statewide Iowa — As if gas prices weren’t high enough, it looks like we may have war to thank for the latest round of price increases.
AAA is providing fuel-saving tips. AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins says the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused many nations to enforce, enhance, and enact new sanctions against Russia in an effort to get them to pull out of Ukraine. Unfortunately, that has a ripple effect back home.
A new AAA survey shows that the pain at the pump has already reached a point where some drivers are beginning to adjust their driving habits.
Wednesday’s average price for gasoline in Iowa was $3.43 per gallon. According to AAA’s survey, that’s within the price range that 44% of drivers in the state would change their driving behaviors. Seventeen percent said they would not change their driving behaviors regardless of the price.
AAA’s survey shows that as prices rise, more Iowans change driving behaviors, such as driving less, consolidating errands, carpooling, and so forth. It shows that when prices are between $2.50 and $2.75 per gallon, six percent of people change their habits. When it’s between $2.75 and $3.00, seven percent change their habits. Between $3.00 and $3.50 it’s nine percent. And when it’s between $3.50 and $3.75, ten percent change their driving habits.
The top changes that Iowans say they have made because of gas prices are — 36% say they drive less often, 20% drive shorter distances, 19% participate in fuel rewards programs, and 19% say they combine trips, according to the AAA survey.
Jenkins gives us some tips to soften the blow of higher prices.
At last report, gasprices.aaa.com said the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.72. The Iowa average was $3.47. Around northwest Iowa, Sioux County reported an average price of $3.52. Osceola County reported an average price of $3.41. Lyon County reported an average of $3.47 (right at the state average). No price was available for O’Brien County on that site, but averaging the available O’Brien County prices together at gasbuddy.com, O’Brien County’s average price was $3.44 per gallon.
