(WTXL) - GasBuddy is predicting that the average Christmas Day gas prices will be their highest since 2013.
This Christmas the national average gas price will be $2.39 per gallon, a 12-cent drop since Thanksgiving, but the priciest Christmas in four years, according to the smartphone app. In Christmas 2013, the average price was $3.26 per gallon.
Overall, while gas prices stand at higher seasonal levels than prior years, they remain relatively low, the app said.
"It's hard to be completely happy with gas prices dropping slightly in recent weeks when we're going to see the most expensive Christmas at the pump in years, but what we're seeing now really pales in comparison to the holidays when we pulled up to a pump that was over $3 per gallon," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy
GasBuddy offers tips to motorists this holiday season:
- Watch out for state lines. Because of differing state taxes, in some extreme cases, drivers can spend an extra $25 when refueling the tank if on the wrong side of the line.
- Look for discounts. Some gas stations offer discounts for pahing with cash. Others accept credit cards with no additional cost. If you have a credit card that earns rewards and the price is the same as cash, you end up getting free rewards.
- In a hurry? Spend a Fury! Speeding, aggressive driving and hard braking are thngs many of us may be guilty of, and it costs you a fury if you're in a hurry. Leave on time and save dimes and relax at the same time. Such driving can cost upwards of $10 per tank, adding up to $477 per year on average.
MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL Weather Now app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional local news and hourly updates.
Copyright 2017 WTXL via Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
