Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, chances are you have felt the pinch of higher gas prices recently, and it looks like it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Louisiana families already struggle to pay their bills, raise their children, and make ends meet – now they can’t afford to fill up their cars with gasoline.

According to AAA, in mid-May Louisiana consumers were paying an average of $1.88 per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, roughly the same amount as Mississippi citizens paid at $1.89 per gallon, but slightly more than Texas residents who paid $1.87 per gallon. Nationally, California and Hawaii citizens were paying the most at $2.31 and $2.28 per gallon, respectively. 

These prices reflected a 40 cents to 50 cents a gallon increase from around this time last year, and according to the Lundberg Survey, high consumer demand and low reserves are working together to keep prices up. Consumers should expect prices to continue to rise with June crude oil hitting a record $41 a barrel. In addition, gas prices typically increase during the upcoming summer driving season because of increased demand. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m not looking forward to even higher gas prices this summer. But, there is something we can do about it. 

Did you know there are several online resources that could help you save money on your next gas purchase? If you are like me and are tired of paying more at the pump, you can now access information on reportedly some of the cheapest gas prices statewide at www.latreasury.com. 

Our website now links directly to the non-profit louisianagasprices.com* for low gas prices, fuelgaugereport.com for nationwide comparisons of gas costs, and AAA’s Gas Watcher’s Guide for gas-saving tips. Every little bit helps, and hopefully these websites can show you how to save as much money as possible on your next fill-up.

I encourage you to bookmark our website to get continual updates on gas prices so that you can make the most informed decision possible on your next purchase. While you’re at it, search for unclaimed property, learn how to get out of debt and invest your money wisely, and access the tools you need to protect yourself from identity theft. 

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* The Treasury’s link to www.louisianagasprices.com  -- part of www.gasbuddy.com -- is provided as a service to the public.  The links to this information are provided for the sole purpose of assisting consumers in their search for the lowest fuel prices.  The Department does not guarantee that these are the lowest prices in a community, just that they are the lowest reported by theses sources, and it does not make any other representations as to these informational sources. The Department has not verified the prices, and all consumers using these sources should be aware that these prices are subject to change on a daily or more-frequent basis.  Consumers finding lower prices than those shown on these informational sources are urged to share them with the linked sources for all to utilize.