Since you only need one global crisis at a time, this is convenient. Just as the pandemic is winding down, Russia invades Ukraine and gas prices shoot up all over the place.
I'm pretty sure we already pay more at the pump than a lot of places around the country, and now it's really getting crazy. As I write this, I started seeing $5-a-gallon prices in the last couple of days, but by the time you read this, it's probably even higher.
Luckily, you have a few tools at your disposal to help you track down the cheapest available gas:
This app can sort gas stations for you by fuel grade, including diesel, or by cash/credit prices over a wide area -- really, wherever you might be driving. The app also gives you access to various gas discounts, which might take a little bit of the sting out of filling up.
The Gas Guru app is similar to Gas Buddy, although a little simpler. It uses a yellow and green color scheme to show you "good" and "best" prices for fuel in your neighborhood.
The easiest way to quickly check locations and prices at gas stations near wherever you are is to use the Google Maps app on your phone. Search for "gas station" and it'll list the nearest ones and the price per gallon at each station. The information isn't quite as detailed as the dedicated gas apps above, but the navigation is strong because it's Google.
With this app you can compare gas prices at 4000+ participating stations, and whatever you wind up paying at the pump, you can earn cash back every time you fuel up. As you travel here and there, this app can get you cash back with every gallon you buy at Shell, Chevron, BP, Exxon Mobil, Citgo, Valero, 76 and more brands all over the place.
This one is for you if you really like to geek out on stats about how much gas you're using and how much you're paying for it. That doesn't sound so fun to me, but if you're a numbers and spreadsheets kind of person, you can stay on top of:
*gas consumption
*gas price
*mileage per month
*cost of gas per mile
*mileage per gallon
*mileage per dollar
and I think what you'll learn is that you are spending way more than you used to on gas. Duh. Thanks, Gas Manager.
Both of these apps crowdsource your access to information about the gas prices. You may already use Waze for navigation, traffic tips and heads up about law enforcement speed traps; its users also post real-time listings of gas prices. Fuelzee does that too, but they actually let you rack up reward points for uploading gas price info, which you can then redeem at businesses all over.
If you're doing some interstate road tripping, this app shows you what's available (including food, lodging, and gas) at every exit on your route, and lets you compare gas prices before you actually get off the freeway.
Your Car
If you have a more recent model year car with a high-tech entertainment/navigation screen, you might have the ability to search for gas stations on that screen. Some cars will show you prices with the listings, which keeps your phone free so your kid in the back seat can use it to play video games.
Good luck out there, and don't be a lead-foot!