All About Japan Autos

The price of gas is already above three dollars a gallon in most states. “Some analysts had predicted gasoline would cost $3 a gallon by Christmas, and they were right,” The Wall Street Journal reports. “The average price of regular gasoline rose to $3.05 per gallon this week – an increase of seven cents a gallon compared with last week and about 45 cents higher than a year ago.&rdquo.

Three dollars a gallon is enough to stretch budgets for many families across the country, but if this trend continues, families may tighten their budgets even more. “The former president of Shell Oil, John Hofmeister, says Americans could be paying $5 for a gallon of gasoline by 2012,” reports CNN.

Not analysts agree with Hofmeister’s predication. CNN states, “Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst with Oil Price Information Service says Americans will see gasoline prices hit the $5 a gallon mark in the next decade, but not by 2012.”

“The predictions take into account a growing global economy tightening the world’s oil supply,” Kicking Tires explains. “Holfmesiter cites China’s and India’s growth and President Barack Obama’s crackdown on offshore drilling as the primary reasons for the short-term gas hike.”

Unfortunately, Americans can’t do much to combat the rising cost of gasoline, especially when many drive to work five times a week. Prices are out of our control, but it’s a good idea to practice good driving habits now. Consolidate trips to the mall, grocery store and post office into one outing to save gasoline. Start taking public transportation or carpool to work. These strategies won’t change the price of gas, but they will decrease the amount you pay at the pump. Another option is to buy a fuel efficient vehicle. The Toyota Prius, for example, has the highest fuel economy ratings of any hybrid on the market — 51/48 mpg city/highway — and it costs about $23,000.

Electric vehicles are also debuting in the US. The Nissan Leaf just hit the market, and while it’s unrealistic for many drivers, America’s EV infrastructure will improve in time.

In the market for a new car? Check out the U.S. News rankings of this year’s best cars as well as this month’s best car deals. Also, be sure to check us out on Twitter.