Are You Overpaying for Gas in Philadelphia?

Keystone State motorists should expect some variation in gas prices depending on their hometown… but by almost half a dollar per gallon?

According to GasBuddy, a fuel comparison website that compares prices across the nation, vehicle owners in several Pennsylvania towns are paying significantly more for each trip to the pumps than they should.

The website analyzed the average spreads between the highest and lowest-priced gas stations in towns across America, finding that several areas had differences that can make a significant dent in your budget.

For example, in Philadelphia, consumers are faced with a whopping 45 cent spread per gallon between the highest and lowest-priced gas stations.

Read more about the study here.

Other Pennsylvania towns that were on the list include:

• Philadelphia – 45 cents per gallon
• Scranton – 27 cents per gallon
• Reading - 26 cents per gallon
• Pittsburgh - 26 cents per gallon
• Allentown - 25 cents per gallon
• East Stroudsburg - 24 cents per gallon
• Harrisburg - 24 cents per gallon
• Mercer County - 23 cents per gallon
• York-Hanover - 21 cents per gallon
• Erie - 21 cents per gallon
• State College - 17 cents per gallon
• Gettysburg - 17 cents per gallon
• Chambersburg-Waynesboro - 16 cents per gallon
• Johnstown - 13 cents per gallon
• Williamsport - 11 cents per gallon
• Altoona - 8 cents per gallon

See the full list of towns here.

“The spread is more significant in certain areas due to a number of factors like competition and geographic location,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst at GasBuddy. “Analyzing the data GasBuddy has collected through the years, we noticed some commonalities amongst the cities ranked the highest: they tend to be sprawling with a major connecting highway running through them. Additionally, they have the presence of a large warehouse retailer in the market. The good news for drivers in these areas is that there are opportunities to save money if you know where to look and choose to shop wisely.”

With the average sedan’s tank at about 18.5 gallons, a smart fill-up could save Philadelphia drivers about $8.32 each time.

Check out the below gas price locator to find the “cheapest” fuel prices in your area, courtesy of Mapquest.

File Photo: Anthony Inswasty, Wikimedia Commons