Gas prices dip but remain high

The average gas prices on Long Island have decreased by 7.6 cents per gallon over the last week, to $3.72 per gallon, according to LongIslandGasPrices.com. In East Meadow, the lowest-priced regular gas is $3.59, but the average is closer to $3.69, according to GasBuddy.com.

Many residents were filling up this week, and a popular destination was a Sunoco station at the corner of Newbridge Road and Hempstead Turnpike. Motorists were paying $3.65 for regular gas if they paid cash and $3.71 when they used a credit or debit card.

“I hope the price continues to go down,” said retiree Vincent Servedio, who was filling up his car. He added that he also hopes the lower gas prices lead to lower food and travel costs. Servedio said he has a pension, but is concerned for others who don’t.

“I think gas is still expensive,” added motorist Guy Pezzullo, who remembers lower prices a year ago. According to AAA’s daily fuel gauge report, the average national price for gasoline was $2.71 this time last year.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the New York average is currently $3.82, up more than 85 cents since last year.

At the BP Quick Mart on Hempstead Turnpike near East Meadow Avenue, the cost of regular gas is $3.69 for cash and $3.79 for credit and debit. “With the economy, when people have cash, they certainly make use of the cash price,” said station owner Bob Ehmer. But Ehmer has noticed many consumers using credit

cards as well.

Gas prices in New York state remain higher than the national average. One main reason is the high state tax. The federal tax is currently 18.4 cents per gallon, and the tax in New York is an additional 25 cents per gallon — only 3 cents higher than the average state tax, but more than triple the tax in Georgia, the state with the lowest tax, 7.5 cents per gallon.

The average retail price for regular-grade gas is expected to decrease to $3.52 per gallon by December, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Additionally, the average price should remain around $3.54 into 2012.

Ehmer said there was no way for him to predict which way prices will go. “It’s like speculating on what the stock market will do tomorrow,” he said, adding, “Whether gas prices are high or low, [stations] tend to make the exact same margin. It’s a tough time for your small businessman.”

Improving fuel efficiency

There are ways to increase gas mileage and burn less fuel. According to a Consumer Reports test, driving at a moderate speed is the easiest way to save money.

“You may have to be a little patient,” the report states, “but driving at 55 mph, instead of 65 or 75, will save you money.” The reason, it explains, is simple aerodynamics: It takes more fuel to power a car traveling at higher speeds.

Properly inflated tires, less idling and even acceleration will also increase your mileage, according to the report.

GasBuddy.com recommends keeping your windows closed

and using cruise control when traveling long distances to increase a car’s mileage.

Additionally, Ehmer said, every gas company offers its own unique formula for increasing gas mileage, like BP’s Invigorate, a gasoline additive that, according to the company, helps to clean and protect engines from deposits, sludge and corrosion.

Ehmer’s best advice to consumers who want to curtail gasoline spending? “They can walk,” he said. “That’s probably the best thing.”

Visit www.GasBuddy.com to find the lowest local fuel prices.