5 of the best ways to save money on gas in SC even as prices keep rising

Have recent gas prices made your wallet feel lighter than usual?

Since gas prices have shot up across the country due to the Iran conflict and have not gone down months later, some residents are being forced to spend less on gas to afford essentials.

The average gas price in the U.S. is $4.50 as of Tuesday, according to the American Automobile Association. A month ago, the average gas price was $4.13. In South Carolina, the current average is $4.12, and a month ago, the average gas price was $3.84.

According to a nationwide survey from CNBC, which polled 1,000 people, 80% of respondents said they have changed their spending habits in response to the gas price spike.

Around 60% of people have cut back on entertainment, such as eating out, going to the movies and concerts to save money, and 40% are spending less on essentials, like medical care and groceries.

In a different survey, gas prices would have to get slightly more expensive before most South Carolinians would reduce their spending on essentials. Still, as uncertainty remains in the Middle East, there could be a time when you desperately need to save money on gas.

Here are five tips and tricks to find cheaper gas and reduce spending on fuel in SC:

5 tips to save money on gas

Use apps to find cheap gas near you

Using apps that help you find the cheapest gas prices in your area might save you several dollars each visit. GasBuddy is one of the most popular apps that has helped millions of people save money on gas, according to their website.

iExit Interstate Exit Guide is another free gas finder app that tells you the lowest and most expensive gas prices in your vicinity.

If you click on your phone’s app store and search “Gas Prices,” there are dozens of other apps that can help you find cheaper fuel.

Get cash back by paying for gas

Some apps and gas stations give you money back just for paying for fuel. Gas Buddy has an exclusive membership card that can save up to $0.33 per gallon every time you spend at the pump.

Upside is another free, cash back platform that provides users with money back at select gas stations, and can give users more than $0.25 cash back per gallon.

Maximize your fuel efficiency

One of the easiest ways to spend less money on gas is by fixing your driving habits.

According to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, rapid acceleration and frequent, hard braking can severely reduce your car’s fuel efficiency as much as 15% to 30% on the highway and 10% to 40% in the city.

Remaining at a constant speed, driving under 50 MPH and turning on your AC later in your drive can all help increase your fuel economy.

Combine trips to save gas

Turning your car off and on and taking several small trips can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance on a warm engine.

By planning before you take your drive, and combining your trips, you can save gallons of gas.

Use gas station’s fuel rewards

Many gas stations offer rewards programs that can shave off a significant amount from the original price. Take 7-Eleven, for example: signing up for their rewards program can save you 11 cents per gallon on your first seven fills.

Additionally, they occasionally offer special discounts that can save you even more money on fuel.

This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "5 of the best ways to save money on gas in SC even as prices keep rising."