Cheapest Gas In Lake Elsinore: Fill Up Without Breaking The Bank

LAKE ELSINORE, CA—Gas prices have increased again in Riverside County on Tuesday, following what AAA officials call a supply and demand issue. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline rose for the sixth consecutive day, increasing a half-cent to $5.76 one day after increasing one-tenth of a cent.

Andrew Gross, an AAA national public relations manager, discussed the factors driving up gasoline prices across the country.

"As long as the supply remains tight, it will be hard for crude oil prices to fall and consumers will in turn face higher prices at the pump," he said.

In Lake Elsinore, the cheapest gas Patch located —thanks to www.GasBuddy.com —was at the Costco gas station, at $5.39 per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline. Next up is the ARCO and AM/PM Station on W. Graham Avenue and S. Spring Street which showed a cash price for regular unleaded gasoline at $5.49 per gallon.

Gas prices on "roller coaster" ride:

The average price has increased 5.3 cents over the past six days following a run of eight decreases in 10 days totaling 3.2 cents, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.

After falling to its lowest amount since March 11, one week ago, the average price has risen to its highest amount since April 13.

The average price is 4.5 cents more than one week ago and $1.74 higher than one year ago but 13.8 cents less than one month ago.

How to save when buying gasoline:

Shop around before filling up, and use clubs or rewards points whenever possible.

Paying in cash or using points, such as with a rewards club like Costco or Sam's Club, or purchasing gas at participating stations through Ralph's Grocery Store points may save you money these days.

Planning your trips out to avoid excess driving can save fuel and carpool with co-workers or families heading to the same schools or after-school activities.

How walkable is your neighborhood? Take advantage of those master-planned communities, paseos and trails to get to your favorite coffee shops, schools, salons, or stores.

Still, one of the best ways we've found to save is through the crowd-sourcing of gas prices through apps. This way, it takes the guesswork out of finding the lowest-priced gas in your area when you need it. Finally, don't let the gas fall below half a tank if you can afford it. Not having to shell out funds for a full gas tank takes some of the pain out of filling up.

How are high gas prices affecting you and your family? Let us know in the comments or by emailing your Patch Editor.