Only 32% of Americans plan to drive to Thanksgiving
Nov 17, 2021 06:00AM ● By EditorBy Dana Thiede from Gas Buddy via KARE 11 News - November 16, 2021
Despite the fact that fuel prices are projected to dip slightly to a national average of $3.35 by Thanksgiving Day, GasBuddy says that mark is still among the highest the U.S. has seen in over seven years. In fact, the online fuel savings platform says a sudden surge in oil costs (which is possible) could push prices at the pump past the current record high of $3.44, set back in 2012.
“Similarly to last year, motorists are contending with a rise in COVID cases ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday when many drive to celebrate with friends and family. Only this year, we’re also just cents away from the highest Thanksgiving gas prices ever recorded,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “With global oil demand surging this year as the pandemic has eased, we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory - some of the highest Thanksgiving gas prices on record. Americans are responding to the prices by slamming the car door shut and staying off the road.”
Other findings from this year's survey:
- 75% say COVID has no impact on their holiday travel plans this year
- 50% of respondents say they are driving less this year
- When asked what it would take for them to drive more, 78% said lower gas prices
GasBuddy says consumers can save as much as 25 cents per gallon by using fuel discount cards or joining loyalty programs, and urges travelers to use the GasBuddy app to check prices at gas stations across the country.
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