KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — The average price for a gallon of gas in Knoxville has risen from $3.24 to $4.16 in the last month, according to GasBuddy. That's more than ever before.
"It takes $115 to fill this truck up. It used to be $80," Taragon Vandewerken said. "Gas prices better go down soon, or else everyone's in trouble."
Other drivers are feeling discouraged by gas prices, too.
"It's made it really hard to pay bills or grab a bite to eat," said Emery Nicely, who works as a server in Sevier County. "We're used to buying a lot of gas but recently rather than $30-$40 to fill up, it's like $50-$60."
According to AAA, one easy way to save money at the pump is by joining fuel reward programs. Here are a few in the East Tennessee area.
- Kroger Fuel Rewards: Whenever you shop and use your Shopper’s Card, you’ll earn one (1) Fuel Point for every $1 you spend.
- Food City Fuel Bucks: Earn one Fuel Buck for every dollar you spend on groceries, including alcohol, with your ValuCard and redeem your Fuel Bucks for discounts on fuel at any Food City Gas ‘N Go fuel center.
- Casey's Rewards: As a member of Casey's Rewards, you choose how you're rewarded: with Casey's Cash, fuel discounts, or a donation to your local school. And you can start redeeming with as few as 250 points.
- AAA Membership ($): Save at least 5¢/gal with no fill-up requirements at participating Shell stations when you register for the Fuel Rewards® program.
- Walmart+ Membership ($): Save 5¢ per gallon on fuel at Walmart & Murphy stations. Access member prices at Sam’s Club fuel centers
- Sam's Club Membership ($): Typically offers cheaper prices at its pumps for members only.
- Costco Membership ($): Typically offers cheaper prices at its pumps for members only.