Gas prices are a significant expense for many individuals and families. Understanding the best and worst times to buy gas can help consumers save money and optimize their fuel purchases. This article examines the cheapest and most expensive days of the week to buy gas based on data and insights from reputable sources such as GasBuddy, Nasdaq, and AS USA.
Key Facts
- Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the cheapest days to buy gas.
- GasBuddy, a popular gas price tracking app, analyzed data and found that Monday was consistently the best day to save money on gas in the majority of the U.S..
- In some states, such as Florida and Georgia, the best day to buy gas may differ. For example, GasBuddy found that Friday was the best day to buy gas in Florida, while Tuesday was the best day in Georgia.
- Conversely, Thursdays and Wednesdays have been identified as the worst days to save money on gas, with prices being higher on those days.
- Prices generally tend to go up as the week progresses, peaking on Fridays and staying high through the weekend.
- The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in commuting patterns have influenced gas price fluctuations, with Fridays becoming one of the best days to fill up in 2021.
- Gas station owners may pass on any increases in wholesale prices earlier in the week to customers by the time the weekend rolls around.
Cheapest Day to Buy Gas
According to GasBuddy, the leading gas price tracking app, Monday is consistently the best day to save money on gas in most parts of the United States. This trend has been observed in GasBuddy’s studies conducted in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021.
State-Specific Variations
While Monday is generally the cheapest day to buy gas, some states may have different patterns. For instance, GasBuddy found that Friday was the best day to purchase gas in Florida, and Tuesday was the best day in Georgia.
Most Expensive Day to Buy Gas
GasBuddy’s analysis revealed that Thursday is the most expensive day of the week to buy gas in the majority of states. This trend was particularly pronounced in 2021, with Thursday topping the list as the most expensive day in 28 states.
Price Fluctuations During the Week
Gas prices tend to follow a pattern throughout the week. Prices generally start low on Monday, gradually increase as the week progresses, and peak on Friday. This trend is attributed to several factors, including the closure of energy markets over the weekend and the release of key government data on Wednesdays that can influence wholesale prices.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting changes in commuting patterns have influenced gas price fluctuations. In 2021, Friday emerged as one of the best days to fill up, a shift from previous studies. This change is likely due to the increase in weekend travel and leisure activities as people sought outdoor recreation during the pandemic.
Gas Station Pricing Strategies
Gas station owners often pass on any increases in wholesale prices earlier in the week to customers by the time the weekend rolls around. This strategy aims to maximize profits during periods of high demand, such as weekends and holidays.
Conclusion
Understanding the cheapest and most expensive days to buy gas can help consumers make informed decisions and save money on their fuel purchases. By planning their gas fill-ups strategically, individuals and families can optimize their budgets and reduce their transportation expenses.
Sources
- Cheapest Days of the Week to Buy Gas, Groceries, and More
- GasBuddy Reveals the Cheapest, Most Expensive Days of the Week to Buy Gas
- What Day of the Week Is Cheaper to Buy Gas?
FAQs
Which day of the week is generally the cheapest to buy gas?
Monday is consistently the best day to save money on gas in most parts of the United States, according to GasBuddy’s analysis of gas price data.
Are there any state-specific variations in the cheapest day to buy gas?
Yes, some states may have different patterns. For example, GasBuddy found that Friday was the best day to purchase gas in Florida, and Tuesday was the best day in Georgia.
Which day of the week is typically the most expensive to buy gas?
Thursday is generally the most expensive day of the week to buy gas in the majority of states, as identified by GasBuddy’s analysis.
Why do gas prices fluctuate throughout the week?
Gas prices tend to follow a pattern during the week due to several factors, including the closure of energy markets over the weekend and the release of key government data on Wednesdays that can influence wholesale prices.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the cheapest and most expensive days to buy gas?
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting changes in commuting patterns have influenced gas price fluctuations. In 2021, Friday emerged as one of the best days to fill up, likely due to the increase in weekend travel and leisure activities.
Do gas station owners have any pricing strategies that affect the cheapest and most expensive days to buy gas?
Gas station owners may pass on any increases in wholesale prices earlier in the week to customers by the time the weekend rolls around. This strategy aims to maximize profits during periods of high demand, such as weekends and holidays.
Can planning my gas fill-ups strategically help me save money?
Yes, by understanding the cheapest and most expensive days to buy gas, consumers can make informed decisions and save money on their fuel purchases. Planning fill-ups strategically can optimize budgets and reduce transportation expenses.
Are there any additional factors that can influence gas prices?
Yes, several factors can influence gas prices, including crude oil prices, geopolitical events, supply and demand dynamics, taxes, and refining costs. These factors can contribute to fluctuations in gas prices beyond the weekly patterns discussed above.