Gas On A Dime

Fuel costs are averaging $3.48 per gallon in Rhode Island, up four cents from last week and 13 cents more than at the start of the new year, according to a Jan. 16 survey by AAA of Southern New England.

Rhode Islanders are paying 10 cents more per gallon than the average American and 30 cents more than they did a year ago.

Statewide Prices At Self-Service Stations:

Regular Unleaded:  $3.489 ($3.439-$3.579)
Midgrade Unleaded:  $3.639 ($3.519-$3.799)
Regular Unleaded:  $3.749 ($3.599-$3.899)
Diesel:  $3.969 ($3.929-$3.999)

In South Kingstown, prices range from $3.49 - $3.70 per gallon for regular unleaded gas at self-serve stations. Check out the prices at South Kingstown's eight gas stations:

• BP, 4087 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, $3.49 on Jan. 17.

• Valero, 2949 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, $3.49 on Jan. 16.

• Kingston Convenience Mart, 2360 Kingstown Road, Kingston, $3.49 on Jan. 16.

• 186 Main St., Wakefield, $3.51 on Jan. 16.

• Mobile, 3079 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, $3.53 on Jan. 17.

• 3411 Kingstown Road, Kingston, $3.55 on Jan. 16.

• Valero, 171 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, $3.59 on Jan. 17.

According to AAA, one of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve fuel is to change driving styles. Instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on both pedals. If there is a red light ahead, ease off the gas and coast up to it rather than waiting for the last second to brake. Once the light turns green, gently accelerate rather than making a quick start.

To stay up-to-the minute on gas prices near you, there's an app for you.

Check out GasBuddy for the latest on cheap gas prices near you throughout the US and Canada. Download it on your Iphone or android for free and find a list of prices and directions.

The Murphy USA Cheap Gas Finder app for android and Iphone also free, uses up-to-date, real-time pricing information to give you the latest per-gallon cost from all Murphy USA gas stations near you.