Fill 'er Up
This morning, while stopping for a bottle of water and a pack of gum at the gas station, I saw that the low fuel warning light had come on in my car (my car is a better communicator than most people I know). Checking the car's computer, I was informed that I had 50 miles to empty. For a brief moment, I considered putting in a couple of dollars of gas to get me to tomorrow when I get paid. That idea was quickly poopooed when I checked out the prices of gasoline at my neighborhood petrol station. $2.96 for regular unleaded. $3.06 for super unleaded (and wouldn't you know, my car prefers the higher octane?).
Three dollars and six cents for a gallon of gas.
Before my European friends read me the riot act, I know it's still cheaper here than there. And I don't want any comments about how a gallon of Nyquil is $95 or some crap like that. I don't need a gallon of Nyquil and I (hopefully) never will!
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that I am paying a lot of money just to get to work. Add to that my husband who works in the field and sometimes has to fill up more than once per day in his Jeep. We spend more on gas than some people make all month.
For reference, here is a list from our local newspaper of the cheapest gas in town:
This was the posted price for a gallon of regular, observed Monday at San Clemente gas stations:
• Exxon — $2.59
• Arco — $2.59
• Arco — $2.59
• Valero — $2.61
• Mobil — $2.65
• Mobil — $2.65
• Shell — $2.67
• Union 76 — $2.67
• Union 76 — $2.69
• Chevron — $2.75
• Chevron — $2.76
• SC Car Wash — $2.78
• Shell - $2.83
• Union 76 - $2.89
Those were from two days ago. I think gas went up 10 cents since then.
I am going to have to take a second job soon just to be able to afford to drive to my first job. What is wrong with this picture?
posted by Anita at
10:24 AM
8 comment(s):
I agree that lots is wrong with this picture. A very interesting post. It used to be you could get a job anywhere within driving distance, but with gas prices it limits availability. Interesting post. I hope prices drop for you.
By
The Complimenting Commenter, at
3:53 PM
I totally feel for you, although our prices haven't gotten quite that high yet. Still under $2.50 here...Finally, one advantage to living in the Reddest state...
I am actually thinking of doing some freelance writing though because of energy prices...$200 electric bills,($30 for gas bills on top of that), $160 a month for gas...I'm gonna go broke!
By
Anonymous, at
7:10 AM
try as you might, but it's well known that San Diego has the highest prices in the U.S. the other day, i bought gas at the cheapie station for $2.85.9 a gallon.
and yes, gas prices have gone up since then.
i love how the news never says anything when gas goes up 20 cents a gallon in a week, but they make a huge deal when prices go down a half cent over the span of two or more weeks.
By
Anonymous, at
12:25 PM
It's unlikely that you need the higher octane gas unless you are driving a racing car.
By
Anonymous, at
3:13 PM
Of course what I meant to say is that by buying premium gas you are being ripped off "with icing on top." Stick with plain. And yes, I'm in IRVINE you comment snooper, you. And never overlook gasbuddy.com.
By
Anonymous, at
3:19 PM
Thanks, Anon! I know I don't need the premium and usually I don't get it, but when my car is overdue for a tuneup like now, partly because of my exorbitant gas bill, it runs better and is more fuel efficient when I use the higher octane.
On 89 octane, I get 300 miles per tank and my engine pings. One of the disadvantages of driving a nice Swedish car.
On 91 octane, I get about 350 miles per tank but no pinging.
On 93 octane, I get close to or over 400 miles per tank. I haven't done the math, but I feel like I get more bang for my buck. You know?!
By
Anita, at
3:38 PM
I forgot about gasbuddy.com! Thanks for that reminder. It really is helpful in these desperate times! =)
Cheers!
By
Anita, at
3:40 PM
I'm surprised your engine pings/knocks, but you are right that higher octane is in order then. Interesting about the mileage. I'll have to try that experiment myself on the new car(if I can bring myself to pay the price of higher octane gas).
By
Anonymous, at
3:18 PM
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