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Good Question: What's The Best Day To Buy Gas?

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- There are a few things you can be sure of during the spring time. The grass will turn green, your taxes will be due and, just like Canadian Geese, your gas prices will start heading north.

Here in Minnesota, the good news is we are 12 cents below the national average. The state average is currently $3.80 for regular unleaded. The bad news is: that's more than 20 cents higher than a year ago.

Gail Weinholzer of AAA says we've flirted with $4 gas before. In fact, four times in the last seven years. This time, she thinks when we roll up to $4 there may be no braking.

"Since we are so far ahead of last year, we may well see $4 across the board by Memorial Day," said Weinholzer.

Refineries switch to a spring blend of gasoline that burns cleaner, but is more expensive. Political, economic and environmental factors also come into play for gas prices. So, can you save money during the week?

"There really is no magical day," said Weinholzer.

Weinholzer says the truth is gas can be a few cents cheaper during the week. Tuesday can be a good day, some people believe even Monday before 10 a.m.

Price hikes can happen later in the week before people head out of town, but experts say that's not always the case in our market. It's best to follow a gas tracking website because prices vary all the time.

Another viewer asked about whether double gas coupon Tuesdays play a role like they have at Super America.

AAA believes that while they are a great deal, they don't have a lot to do with gas prices.

On the other hand, some experts believe that Super America and Holiday can dictate gas prices in a market. Both are owned by corporations and there are a lot of those stations in our market. Because they are corporate owned, they tend to raise and lower their prices first. The smaller chains then often follow suit.

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