Gas Price Watch

2006 is delivering high gasoline prices to Iowa and the nation. Check this Web page for current information about Iowa gas prices, how to save fuel and money, and background about impacts on the U.S. gasoline market.

• Tips on saving fuel and money
• Frequently asked questions
• Publications

Fuel and Money Saving Tips

Improve gas mileage Drive more efficiently Keep your vehicle tuned up Plan and combine trips Each 5 miles per hour you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon (based on paying $2.91 per gallon). Aggressive driving (speeding and rapid acceleration and braking) can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds and 5 percent around town -- costing you as much as 49 cents per gallon! Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent (and protect your engine). Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune can improve gas mileage by about 4 percent -- repairing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve fuel economy by as much as 40 percent! Avoid idling -- idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Resources Learn more from FuelEconomy.gov

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Choose renewable fuel blends, which are often less expensive than other fuels at the pump. Choose ethanol at the pump, available at most fuel stations. If you have an Flexible Fuel Vehicle, look for E-85 (85 percent ethanol blend). Choose biodiesel blends for your diesel vehicle.

Resources
Learn more about

E-10 (10 percent Ethanol blend) information from Iowa Corn.

A listing of Flexible Fuel Vehicles on the market and sites offering E-85 (85 percent Ethanol blend) in Iowa from the DNR.

A guide to buying biodiesel fuel from the National Biodiesel Board.

Photo courtesty www.Toyota.com

Choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle Research fuel economy ratings for new and used vehicles. Compare different vehicles before buying. Learn more about alternative vehicles, including hybrids and flexible fuel vehicles. Resources Learn more from FuelEconomy.gov.

Find a different way to travel Take the bus. Carpool. Ride your bicycle. Resources Mass transit and rideshare information from the Iowa Office of Public Transit. Bicycling information from the League of American Bicyclists

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• Where does gasoline come from?
  From the U.S. Department of Energy
  
  
• What affects the price of gasoline?
  From the U.S. Department of Energy
  
  
• Why is there the 9/10 cent in gasoline prices?
  From the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa
  
  
• General questions on gasoline prices and supplies
  From the U.S. Department of Energy

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Current Fuel Price Survey, Fuel Costs in Iowa
Monthly results from a statewide program for monitoring gasoline prices in Iowa.

Iowa Petroleum Update
Propane, heating and oil distillate, natural gas, transportation fuels and crude oil are all monitored and reported on in the Petroleum Update by the DNR.

U.S. This Week in Petroleum
Weekly updates on gas prices nationwide from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Iowa Clean Cities
Iowa companies, organizations and governmental agencies are combining resources to help reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Learn more about this public-private partnership by contacting Tami Foster at Tami.Foster@dnr.state.ia.us.

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DNR Contact:
Brian Crowe
(515) 281-8518
Brian.Crowe@dnr.state.ia.us