Consumer Alert: Get ready for $4 gas in Rochester. Here’s how to find the cheapest gas near you.

Deanna Dewberry

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — It’s a tweet that took my breath away. A leading petroleum analyst predicts gas will reach eye-popping prices in just a couple of weeks. And when Patrick DeHaan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy speaks, consumer reporters like me listen.

He tweeted, “We’re getting closer to seeing our first ever major city gas price average reach $5 a gallon. It will happen in the next couple of weeks.”

So consider the fact that gas is about a dollar cheaper in the Rochester area. That means we’ll likely see $4 gas before the month’s end. Right now the average price at the pump in our area is $3.75. And remember the price of crude oil largely determines the price of gas. Wednesday Brent crude soared to $114 a barrel, the highest price since 2014. So expect to keep paying more at the pump.

Here are the cheapest gas prices on Wednesday in the Rochester area.

  • $3.42 Valero on S. Clinton
  • $3.45 at Speedway on Lake Ave. and Mobil Culver Rd.
  • $3.49 at Sunoco and Valero on Scottsville Rd. and Mobil on Rochester St.
  • $3.49 at Speedway on East Ave.

Now more than ever it’s important to take some driving tips from your grandpa. Slow down. A recent study by Consumer Reports found that slowing down from 65 miles per hour to 55 can improve fuel economy from 6 to 8 miles per gallon. That’s getting as much as 128 more miles on a tank of gas.

With the help of Consumer Reports, Here’s Deanna’s Do List for saving at the pump.

  • Stay at half. That gives you the flexibility to stop when you see the cheapest gas, not when you absolutely have to get it.
  • Combine trips. I always fill up my tank after church because it’s closer to Costco than my house.
  • Drive evenly. Consumer reports tests found that hard breaking and acceleration can reduce your gas economy by up to 3 mpg.
  • Buy Top Tier gas. The detergents in it are easier on your engine and increase fuel economy.
  • Skip premium. Unless your car says premium is required, you get little benefit from premium gas. You can find your car’s octane requirements on the fuel filler door.
  • Check your tire pressure. Your tires lose about 1 psi per month. If your tire pressure is too low, your fuel efficiency will be affected.
  • Use a gas app to find the cheapest gas near you.

Here are my favorite gas apps: