Related: 50 Ways to Reduce Fuel Spend
Gasoline Prices Head Higher Toward 2017
Gasoline prices have increased about 7% in December and have reached $2.29 per gallon for the week ending Dec. 27 but are still significantly lower than this time in 2014 and 2013.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.
Gasoline prices have increased about 7% in December and have reached $2.29 per gallon for the week ending Dec. 27 but are still significantly lower than this time in 2014 and 2013, according to AAA.
The average price increased five cents during the week and is 29 cents higher than 2015.
Despite the increasing prices, demand for gasoline is expected to fall sharply in January, which is a typically slow month following a busy holiday travel season, according to AAA.
In 2016, U.S. drivers saved about $27 billion at the pump compared to the same period last year. Most U.S. drivers are expected to pay the second-cheapest New Year’s Day gas prices since 2009, when the national average was $1.62.
Federal data offers similar findings, as the national price of regular unleaded increased 4.5 cents to $2.309 for the week ending Dec. 26. Gasoline is 27.5 cents higher than a year ago, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The nation’s top five least expensive markets include South Carolina ($2.04), Mississippi ($2.07), Texas ($2.07), Arkansas ($2.07) and Alabama ($2.08).
The biggest weekly price increases are reflected in Michigan (14 cents), Illinois (13 cents), Wisconsin (12 cents), Ohio (10 cents) and Minnesota (10 cents).
Meanwhile, the average price of diesel increased 1.3 cents to $2.54. Diesel is now 30.5 cents higher than a year ago.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Small Fleet

Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
Hot Weather Driving Tips for Fleet Drivers
As we head into another potentially extreme summer season, the risks for fleet drivers remain high, from engine strain and tire blowouts to unpredictable traffic patterns. An expert shares advice on how fleet drivers can boost their safety during the steamy summer months.
Read More →
