An estimated 10,000 Utahns logged on to http://www.gasbuddy.com Tuesday, when the average cost for a gallon of unleaded gasoline in the state reached a record of $2.24. Utah has had one of the largest increases in visitors to the site of any state, operators said.
Volunteer "spotters" such as Scott Bailey, a South Jordan insurance agent, feed information to the site. He monitors Wasatch Front gas prices for both http://www.gasbuddy.com and http://www.gaspricewatch.com.
Bailey, who fills up his Honda Accord two to three times a week and owns a Ford Expedition with a 30-gallon tank, tracks prices at more than a dozen stations on his way to work, joining more than 100,000 volunteer "spotters" nationwide.
Like other Utahns, Bailey said he isn't willing to part with his SUV because he needs an automobile that can carry a large family. He hauls seven people - himself, his four kids, his mother and sister, all of whom live with him.
The $2.24 average per-gallon price in Utah on Tuesday was up 25 cents from March 15 and 39 cents higher than a year ago, travel services company AAA Utah reported.
Nationally, gas prices on Tuesday averaged $2.27, up 22 cents from last month and 50 cents higher than last year.
The difference among gas stations can be much more than just a few cents, even in the same neighborhood, said Jason Toews, a computer consultant who operates http://www.gasbuddy.com with partner Dustin Coupal, an ophthalmologist. The site provides links to more than 170 state-specific sources of price data.
"I've seen prices vary by as much as 20 cents per gallon within a relatively small area," Toews said. "I've even seen one gas station charge 10 cents less than another station located right across the street."
In Utah, warehouse clubs Costco Wholesale Corp. and Sam's Club as well as large operators Flying J and Maverik often dominate online lists of the cheapest sources of gasoline. On Tuesday, http://www.gasbuddy.com's affiliate site, http://www.saltlakegasprices.com, listed a West Jordan Sam's Club as having the lowest per-gallon cost of $2.05. The highest? A Chevron in Draper, with a per-gallon price of $2.43.
Location is another factor in what consumers pay for gasoline. Drivers in Utah's rural areas often pay more than people in more populated areas. Among cities surveyed in Utah, Moab ($2.38) and St. George ($2.28) had the highest per-gallon prices. Salt Lake City and Ogden had the lowest, at $2.19.
According to AAA, higher gas prices nationwide stem from the increased demand for gasoline, especially during the summer driving months.
The cost has continued to rise even as the cost of crude oil has dropped from record highs in recent months.
Utah's average of $2.24 per gallon is below most surrounding states, such as Montana ($2.25 per gallon); Idaho ($2.27); Arizona ($2.36) and Colorado ($2.27); Nevada ($2.54); and California ($2.63).
Wyoming's average, however, is a low $2.17.
Wherever you live, Rolayne Fairclough of AAA Utah said the consumer outlook for gas prices can be summed up in one word: Bleak.
"We're looking at record high prices headed into the time of year when fuel consumption typically increases," she said, which means prices likely will continue to rise this summer.
Finding cheaper gas online
http://www.gasbuddy.com
http://www.gaspricewatch.com
