Gas prices have been higher than normal, with the national average price per gallon for August increasing 25 cents. There are multiple factors to gas prices increasing, but one of the most significant is weather.
Refineries, which are responsible for turning crude oil into gas for automobiles, have been forced to slow operations due to extreme temperatures occurring globally.
The high temperatures have forced people in the Middle East to burn oil to keep powering air conditioning and lights, and this exacerbates the already limited supplies of Saudi Arabia and Russia. However, there are some steps people can take to save on gas fuel.
Ensuring tire pressure is correct, using cruise control, and removing unnecessary items in car trunks, can help with fuel efficiency, according to AAA.
As the country endures heat waves, drivers should be prepared for prices to potentially rise even further if temperatures do not cool soon.