Gas prices starting to spike

NORWALK — In just a few days, gas prices jumped both nationally and locally — in some places, by 20 cents per gallon more since Monday. The fluctuations are tied directly to the armed conflict between the U.S., Isreal and Iran that began with airstrikes this past weekend, contributing to an uptick in demand for gasoline, according to AAA. On Monday, AAA data showed the average price of regular gas in Huron County hovered around $2.95 per gallon. Just two days later, that's jumped to a $3.17 average. It's reflective of a nationwide gas price increase; the average price of gas per gallon across the U.S. was about $3.20 on Wednesday, according to AAA, an increase of about 20 cents per gallon since just Monday and about 31 cents more than what Americans were paying a month ago. "Consumers should prepare in case gasoline prices rise even further," said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs for AAA East Central. "At this point, all eyes are on crude oil, which accounts for 50 to 60 cents of each dollar you spend at the pump. Also, demand is increasing and refineries are beginning their annual transition to summer blend gasoline, which are both trends that typically push prices higher in the spring." Local price picture According to AAA data provided on Wednesday, here's how local counties' price averages have changed in the past few days: • Huron County: $3.17 (up from $2.95 on Monday) • Erie County: $3.16 (up from $2.89 on Monday) • Ottawa County: $3.14 (up from $2.93 on Monday) • Sandusky County: $3.07 (up from $2.73 on Monday) For those using diesel fuel, the average cost in Ohio was about $4.18 per gallon on Wednesday, also an increase from the prior week's average — $3.81 per gallon, according to AAA. Tips to save fuel AAA offered tips to help consumers improve gas mileage and save money on fuel: • Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph. • Reduce trips and lighten your load. Limit the amount of cargo in your vehicle when possible. Combine errands and possibly aim to get them all done on one day of the week. Also, consider using the more fuel-efficient vehicle in the household more often. • Avoid "jackrabbit" starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption. Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle. This allows the automatic transmission to upshift into higher gears sooner, reducing engine rpm and saving fuel. • Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine. Even in winter, idling, and warming up an engine are unnecessary and wastes fuel. • Look ahead. When approaching a red light or stop sign, let off the gas early and allow the vehicle to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake. • Use cruise control to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on wet roads because a loss of vehicle control could result. • Take advantage of fuel savings programs. AAA members have access to savings when filling up at Shell gas stations.