Its costing More to fill up this Summer

Consumers are spending $69 more a month to fill-up compared to last summer. According to AAA, gasoline expenses are accounting, on average, for 7% of an American’s 2018 annual income, a one and half percent increase since the summer of 2017. With strong summer consumer gasoline demand expected in the months ahead, motorists can expect little relief at the pump. “Motorists can expect to spend at least $250 more on gas this season, but that won’t stop them from traveling. Summer is synonymous with road trips, said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas spokesperson. “The higher gas prices may just encourage travelers to shorten their driving distance, while others may pinch pennies by eating out less or finding more free family-fun activities while on vacation.” According to a recent AAA survey, 33% of respondents said they would change travel plans if gas prices hit $3. Respondents in the south had the heaviest percentage, 62%, vote that they would change their travel plans if prices hit $3 and above. AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2.1 million member and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.