President Biden and other lawmakers have been discussing the idea of sending out gas cards to Americans to ease the pain at the gas pump. GasBuddy doesn’t think that’s the best idea.
“Well, it’s getting in the way of supply and demand. The concern is that by cutting the price, you’re going to boost consumption. That’s going to further throw off the balance of the supply and demand situation that’s got us to where we are today,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
DeHaan says things like this and gas-free tax days seem noble in concept, but will actually just delay the problem.
“I know politicians are well-intended and they’re looking to help motorists out, but this could actually be adding more fuel to the fire and eventually cause prices to go up more should consumers go out there and spend on gasoline as they probably will if the government issues gas cards. It’s going to be a pinch on the other side when prices go back up. At the end of those gas tax holidays, those will hit motorists again. Politicians need to just let the free market take its course,” said DeHaan.
If you’re looking to spend less at the gas pump, DeHaan says there are some things you can do.
“The easiest thing to do is to reduce your consumption. It’s not a whole lot of fun, but it can save you money. It’s pretty incredible the increase in fuel efficiency you can get if you go say 60 mph on the interstate. Slowing down on the roads can boost the amount of miles you get per tank and will essentially drive down how often you will have to fill your tank,” said DeHaan.
GasBuddy says the average price for gas in Indiana is $4.19 per gallon, which is up three cents from where it was Monday.
5 comments
If the democrats go through with this, it will be like food stamps. You can buy/ sell them for $.50 cents on the dollar.
Hello inflation.
Exactly. EVERY THING the government meddles in gets more expensive: food, education, healthcare, housing, all of it. This has happened 100% of the time.
Insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result.
“It’s pretty incredible the increase in fuel efficiency you can get if you go say 60 mph on the interstate. Slowing down on the roads can boost the amount of miles you get per tank”
Talk about outdated information! Modern cars are not the bricks of old, they are a lot more aerodynamic and are geared to go faster with less fuel. Taking longer to make the same trip just means the engine runs longer, and a running engine uses fuel just to run. I don’t know exactly where the break even point is, but a 60MPH speed limit is not a solution anymore.
If the bill is passed, it should be for licensed drivers only, with a legally registered vehicle, with proof of insurance from the first of the year.