The search for cheap gas*
Locate stations online or by mobile device
[June 24, 2008]
Want to locate the lowest-priced gas station without burning fuel to find it? Search for gas prices online-or from your mobile device-before you start your engine.
A handful of websites list daily gas prices at most stations in the Inland Northwest and throughout North America. You can map the locations, check for available diesel and alternative fuels, and even calculate the cost of your trip.
Some sites rely on commuters to report good deals when they're spotted. Others list prices reported the previous night to the Oil Price Information Service, a worldwide database of petroleum pricing and news information.
Here are some websites that can help you search for cheap gas:
- Mapquest. Create a map with prices and directions to the stations. Browse for gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels such as propane or biodiesel.
- Spokane Gas Prices and Idaho Gas Prices. Part of the free and popular gasbuddy.com network, these ad-saturated sites depend on drivers to share current gas prices when they spot them. Map prices in your community, do wireless searches, or post a comment.
- MSN. One of many MSN online services, this site also uses the Oil Price Information database to report prices. Enter your zip code, and get a list of gas price map ranked from lowest to highest.
- Automotive.com. Check this list by zip code or town for the cheapest gas by station brand and location.
- Gas Price Watch. This site also depeds on registered "spotters" to report current prices. Create your own page to check gas prices on your commute route and watch the scrolling news wire for the latest on world oil prices and other petroleum news.
PLEASE NOTE: The services offered by these websites are not endorsed or vouched for by STCU. The credt union accepts no liability in connection with their use. If a hyperlink to an outside website is not working, please try again later.
You can find additional information about gas mileage and fuel economy at the federal website: www.fueleconomy.gov
*$3.89 per gallon was reported in Coeur d'Alene on Aug. 1, 2008, the lowest price in the Inland Northwest on that particular day. Prices vary each day.
