Gas Price Data Accuracy

I suppose it’s just another twist on telling the same story in a new way, but a Roanoke, VA TV station wanted to check if websites aimed at finding low priced gas were accurate. They gave the sites they checked for the local area (not clear which site/s) an 85% correct rating. Not too bad since some sites depend on user generated data and prices are changing very fast.

Now, the interesting news: 90% of those responding to a survey (N=500) have yet to use such sites. That doesn’t surprise me. I believe for most people gassing up is a no-brainer. We go to the same station near work or home (29% said they did; I suspect true value is higher). If we are prudent, it was the cheapest before the latest spike, and remains so. I know my favorite station continues to be 5 cents cheaper. I like to think those who regularly travel by car in areas with which they are not familiar would use such tools more.