03.23.26 SAVE MORE On Gasoline And Printer Ink

Clark Howard addresses rising gasoline prices and the extreme costs of printer ink, offering practical strategies to minimize expenses. He draws on current market dynamics, like wider price gaps during volatility, and shares listener questions on vehicles, tickets, insurance, and fees.

Gas Price Strategies During Volatility

Gas prices fluctuate rapidly with oil barrel costs, creating wider gaps between stations—up to $1.75 per gallon within a five-mile radius in some areas, compared to a normal $1 difference. Stations without fresh fuel deliveries or those like supermarkets, Walmart, or Costco absorb increases for marketing, keeping prices lower. Clark advises monitoring prices on regular routes when at half a tank; if a good price appears, fill up immediately. Use GasBuddy.com to find cheaper options nearby, even off-route. At Costco, prices reflect a five-mile competitive survey, aiming to undercut rivals by 20 cents while capping markup at 15% above cost on Kirkland Signature gas; they may even sell below cost in competitive areas. This works best during shortages or spikes, like current diesel constraints, but prices should trend down as global supply aligns with demand post-Middle East tensions.