Gas prices soar, but it’s not as awful in Alabama

By WVUA 23 News Reporter Jocelyn Claborn

While gas prices are on the rise across the nation, Alabamians are a little lucky: The state has the second-lowest average price per gallon in the county at $3.73.

Mississippi has the lowest average price at $3.61.

Ken Stricker, who is visiting from Missouri, said he noticed how the prices in St. Louis are higher than in Alabama.

But no matter where you are, filling up the tank is a whole lot more than it was even a few days ago.

“We’re filling my daughter’s car up. We’re visiting for family weekend for her sorority and it was $63 for about three-quarters of a tank, so it’s real,” Stricker said.

The average price for a gallon of gas was $3.15 about a month ago, according to AAA Alabama. Now, the average price around Tuscaloosa is hovering around $3.99 a gallon.

“I don’t really drive a lot and so the times that I do drive have been very spaced out. I remember driving a few months ago being like wow gas is higher than I thought it was and then recently I was like wow, it’s a lot higher than I thought it was,” said University of Alabama student Haylee Pack.

The price won’t be going down any time soon, so be prepared to make some lifestyle changes.

Kyndal Williams said she’s having to cut down on her driving.

“Since I am a college student, I can’t really afford that bill,” Williams said. “I’ll use UA’s transportation like their buses, or I’ll just walk.”

You can save money on filling up by price shopping, driving slower and taking fewer trips.

“I’ve just been more conscious when I’m driving,” said Jackson Smith. “So driving a little bit less, and also being a little more conservative when I drive to drive and reduce gas usage.”