BEAUMONT, Texas — Getting to grandma's house for Thanksgiving is going to cost you more this year.
GasBuddy, a smartphone app that tracks fuel prices around the country, projects the national average for gasoline to be its highest since 2014.
GasBuddy says the average price for gas will be $2.56 per gallon, a penny higher than last year.
“Expect the national average price of gasoline to be in the $2.50s for the third straight Thanksgiving," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "And expect average gas prices to drop between now and Christmas, giving motorists something extra to be thankful for."
The current average price for regular unleaded gas in Southeast Texas is $2.20 per gallon. This is less than the average in 2018 and 2017.
The good news for drivers in the deep South, gas prices could fall under $2 per gallon by the end of the year, according to GasBuddy.
According to GasBuddy’s Annual Holiday Travel Survey, 30% of participants said high gas prices were impacting their travel plans, a 2% decrease from last year.
2019 is expected to see a 7% increase in travelers on the road for Thanksgiving compared to 2018, with more than half of drivers having 1-2 passengers in the car with them.
Ways to Save
GasBuddy says the day you fill up does matter.
"GasBuddy has analyzed gas price data year-over-year and found that Monday offers the lowest average gas price in 30 states, making it the best day to fill-up. The day with the most expensive average gas prices: Friday."
Experts say to take advantage of fuel saving programs like Kroger, HEB and Sam's Club. They all over savings to members.
AAA says it's also good to make sure your car tires are properly inflated before you hit the road.
