14 hours Ago By Forrest McFarland
A GAS station chain is slashing prices by a massive 40 cents per gallon ahead of Thanksgiving - but the fuel isn't for everyone. Drivers should read the fine print before they save money on fill-ups this holiday season . That's because Sheetz is only reducing the price of its unleaded 88 fuel, which contains 15% ethanol .
Typically, standard gasoline has about 10% ethanol as the fuel alternative isn't as energy efficient. In fact, the organic compound contains about 30% less energy than gasoline per gallon, according to the Department of Energy. Not only is ethanol less efficient, but it also contains alcohol, which can corrode engines by attracting water.
read more motors stories Before stopping by the Pennsylvania -based chain, drivers should check their manuals and see recommendations for ethanol usage. Penny pinchers will enjoy massive savings on gas with Sheetz's promotion, as the average price per gallon has fallen to just around $3. The average price was around $3.
25 in 2023, and a gallon was a whopping $3.56 in 2022. According to technology company GasBuddy, around 72% of Americans will hit the road for Thanksgiving, a 75% increase from 2023.
Most read in Motors "Americans are eager to get back on the road and visit loved ones this Thanksgiving, with the vast majority choosing the flexibility and convenience of driving, as gas prices have fallen below $3 in over half of the nation’s states," GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said. "While a few travelers feel discouraged by current gas prices, our data shows most people are undeterred and willing to absorb the extra costs to reunite with family over the holiday. "Gas prices have fallen nearly 70 cents from the summer high to their lowest level since 2021, and should provide some relief for Thanksgiving travelers.
"We expect prices to remain seasonally low leading up to the holidays, making road trips a more affordable option for millions of Americans." Sheetz has over 750 stations located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and Michigan. Here is a list of the states with the highest gas taxes (including local fees and federal excise taxes) in the US: 1.
California: $0.86 per gallon 2. Illinois: $0.
84 per gallon 3. Pennsylvania: $0.80 per gallon 4.
Indiana: $0.74 per gallon 5. Washington: $0.
70 per gallon 6. Michigan: $0.66 per gallon 7.
Maryland: $0.65 per gallon 8. New Jersey: $0.
60 per gallon 9. North Carolina: $0.59 per gallon 10.
Virginia: $0.57 per gallon Per Visualizing Energy . GAS MONEY BLUES Based on this projection, most drivers will enjoy some savings, but California residents are out of luck thanks to new legislation .
The California Air Resources Board has demanded that stations carry cleaner fuel, and drivers have to foot the bill. This change may see gas prices surge by up to $0.65 a gallon next year, and up to $0.
85 by 2030, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Michael A Mische, who works with the University of Southern California's business school, speculated that Golden State drivers need an extra $222 to $449 annually to keep up with the change. That means already struggling drivers will have to find a way to bring home $600 to $1,000 more income pre-tax to break even, Fox affiliate KTTV reported.
"The increase contributes to inflation, the high cost of living in California, and has a disproportionate and adverse impact on lower-income Californians," Mische wrote. The gas drama comes after drivers were furious over one station that was charging $6 per gallon . Read More on The US Sun And a popular gas station chain shut down 1,000 locations to make room for EVs.
.
