LA Auto Club: Save Two Gallons a Week: Reduce Gasoline Dependency

LOS ANGELES--March 12, 2004--The Automobile Club of Southern California today urged motorists to reduce gasoline consumption by saving two gallons a week.

"Demand for gasoline outstrips supply in California, which helps push prices upward," said Carol Thorp, spokesperson for the Automobile Club of Southern California. "Reducing consumption could eventually result in lower prices. It's a way for consumers to exercise some control as prices skyrocket."

Californians currently use 45 million gallons of gasoline a day, but the state's refiners only produce 43 million gallons, according to State Energy Commission figures. The remaining gasoline has to be imported at a higher cost.

"California has nearly 23 million registered drivers," said Thorp. "If each one of them saved two gallons a week, it would equal a full day's production of gasoline. Reduced demand would relieve the pressure on supplies. If supply and demand were more in line, refiners would have less need to buy on spot markets, where prices are higher. The result could eventually be lower prices at the pump."

California is particularly vulnerable to price spikes, according to Thorp, because it can't produce enough gasoline in the state to meet its needs and it must use specially formulated gasoline to meet clean-air standards in summer months. The special blend of gasoline costs more and is only available from a limited number of refineries. Any disruption in supply can push prices upward. Only six oil companies operate in the state, so there is less pricing competition.

"Saving two gallons a week won't solve all of California's pricing problems," Thorp said, "but it's a good start to more energy self-sufficiency."

Using an average of 22 miles to the gallon, motorists need to cut 44 miles from their driving each week. The Auto Club suggests the following ways to save two gallons a week:

1.  Carpool or use public transit. Leaving your vehicle at home one
    or two days a week is a quick way to meet the two-gallon goal.

2.  Slow down. Research shows that speeding uses more gasoline if your
    commute includes more than 20 miles of freeway driving.

3.  Combine errands so you can do most of your shopping in one place.

4.  Shop online. Save trips to the store by shopping, banking, buying
    stamps, and paying bills online.

5.  Drive the smaller car. If you have an SUV and a fuel-efficient
    sedan, use the smaller car for daily commutes and even for longer
    trips.

6.  Take a hike or ride a bike. Get some exercise and save gas.

7.  Work from home. Ask your boss if you can telecommute one day a 
    week.

8.  Carpool to get the kids to school. Set up a schedule with other 
    parents so only one parent picks up several children.

9.  Maintain your vehicle. Keep your vehicle oiled, lubed, and tires
    inflated. A well maintained vehicle saves on gasoline.

10. Keep the junk out of the trunk. The more weight you carry in your
    vehicle, the more gas you use.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency and financial products, automotive pricing, buying and finance programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, and highway and transportation safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa.com.