GasPriceWatch

By Lou Carlozo, dealnews Green Dad columnist

These days, frustrated pump patrons spin various conspiracy theories as to what's "really" behind the high price of gasoline. Is it Big Oil, Russian cartels using Libya's turmoil as cover, or some price-fixing scheme cut behind closed doors? Or is it, perhaps, a more prudent, practical theory: Oil and gas are natural resources, now consumed in record quantities even as the planet’s non-renewable supply vanishes. Meanwhile the U.S. must compete with developing nations such as China and India that have an unquenchable thirst for the stuff.

These factors may loom far beyond our control — but we're not powerless. With gas starting to top $4 a gallon, we can use less in sensible ways or make the most of what we do buy. There's nothing wrong with using every means at our disposal to find the cheapest cheap gas, or save on gas expenses. Here's my Green Dad list of strategies, products and miscellanea to push the pump price back a bit, keeping your wallet and tank full at the same time.Read more