Gas Prices Down Slightly in Bristow Area

Despite the recent topping of $4 per gallon in gas prices, Bristow residents might have noticed that the price for all grades has actually decreased slightly this week.

The price of unleaded at Safeway is down to $3.98 per gallon from a high of $4.05 last week. At the Nokesville 7-11, unleaded is $3.99 per gallon.

According to AAA auto club, "crude oil prices declined as weak U.S. jobs data from Friday and reports that Iran might be open to compromise on its nuclear enrichment program both put downward pressure on oil prices."

In the Bristow area, the average price per gallon is still 63 cents higher than it was at this time last year.

Some experts, who initially forecast that gas prices could reach $5 a gallon in some parts of the country, indicated that gas prices may have already peaked and could start to decrease, more than a month ahead of schedule.

The national price for regular unleaded on Friday was $3.90 a gallon, down 3 cents from a week ago, according to AAA, which tracks gas price changes daily throughout the country.

To conserve gas, AAA offers the following tips:

• Accelerate gradually. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
• Anticipate your stops. When approaching a red light, let your foot off the gas as early as possible.
• In summer, drive during cooler parts of the day. Cooler, denser air can boost power and mileage.
• Avoid long warm-ups in the morning. They’re unnecessary and waste fuel.
• Use air conditioning. Today’s air conditioners create less drag on the engine than driving with the windows open.
• Maintain recommended tire pressure. Low pressure reduces fuel economy and can damage tires.
• Keep the air filter clean. Clogged filters reduce fuel economy and increase exhaust emissions.
• Drive the speed limit.