AAA: Expect Alabama gas prices to be a little higher over Memorial Day

According to AAA Alabama, regular unleaded gas sits at $3.23/gal as of May 13–down five cents over the past week.

AAA Alabama spokesperson Clay Ingram told The Bama Buzz that gas prices are likely going up over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Why?

AAA expects 43.8 million people to travel in their cars a distance of 50 miles or more over the holiday, matching the all-time high set in 2005

“It’s pretty typical to see our prices a little higher this time of year. We normally see our peak price point right around Memorial Day weekend and then once we get a week or so beyond that, we tend to see prices drop down just a little bit over the summer.”

Clay Ingram, AAA Alabama spokesperson

Current gas prices statewide

Where can you currently purchase the cheapest gas in the state? Answer: Gadsden at $3.09.

Here is how the rest of the state is faring on May 13, 2024

• Anniston — $3.23
• Birmingham — $3.22
• Daphne-Fairhope-Foley — $3.17
• Dothan —$3.23
• Florence – Muscle Shoals — $3.19
• Huntsville — $3.26
• Mobile — $3.16
• Montgomery — $3.26
• Russell County — $3.28
• Tuscaloosa — $3.20

Gas saving tips

If you wish to save gas and money over the summer, Ingram provided us with three tips.

1. If you are traveling through big cities like Atlanta, Birmingham and Huntsville, try to avoid them during rush hour.
2. Keep your tires properly inflated. The rule of thumb is that you lose 1% of your fuel efficiency for every pound of pressure that your tire is underinflated.
3. Be a more conservative driver, not an aggressive driver. 

“Stay away from speeding and weaving in and out of traffic on the highway. It uses a lot more gas than people realize. A study a couple of years ago showed that if you go from being a very aggressive driver to being a very conservative driver, you can save as much as 33% of your fuel usage!”

Clay Ingram, AAA Alabama spokesperson

That’s significant savings.

Do you plan to travel by car over this upcoming Memorial Day weekend? What are some of your strategies to save gas and money? We’d like to know. Please tell us by commenting on our Instagram and tagging us @thebamabuzz!