Gas prices change daily, but one thing remains the same: some places are higher than others. Hawaii is one of these. While we can’t predict what gas will be on the day you read this, we will base today’s post on an average of $3.28. We will also examine why you can expect to pay more at the pump in The Aloha State.
This information is brought to you by SecureSpace Self Storage in Milani, HI.
Gas prices ride an unpredictable roller coaster, and although the United States as a whole is seeing quite a bit of relief these days, Hawaiians are still feeling pain at the pump. If you’ve spent any time at your self-storage unit lately, you’ve probably seen prices at the more than half a dozen gas stations up the road past the golf course. You may have also cringed.
When the national gas price averages $3.28, Hawaii can easily top out at more than $5.00 per gallon. This is considerably more than California, Nevada, Washington, and New York, which usually also make the list for the top 10 most expensive states for gas. Gas in Hawaii is up to $.60 more per gallon than in California.
Why Is The Price Of Gas So High?
You’ve no doubt heard that crude oil prices have finally started to drop throughout the mainland. This is great for consumers, especially in the southern states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, which have seen prices $3 and below per gallon for the last few weeks.
But for those in Hawaii, the price gouging never seems to end. In talking with many visitors to the self-storage facility in Mililani, we found that gas is high no matter which island you’re on. This is largely because Hawaii’s energy is mainly garnered from oil-powered facilities. That means more consumption on the islands than in most parts of the mainland. While prices are likely to go down sometime in the future, there’s typically a lag, and it takes time for pricing to catch up in Hawaii.
The high cost of living is another reason that gas is so expensive. Compare Hawaii to New York, which has one of the highest costs of living in the US. Housing costs are 5% higher in Honolulu than in New York City, for example. You can also expect food costs to be more than 20% more.
So, what can people do about exponential gas prices? There are a few ways to save. If you’re currently renting a large apartment or condo, consider downsizing. You can put your excess personal belongings and furniture into self-storage while you wait out inflation. Another idea is to carpool with friends and family. When possible, walk to work or school, and save on your electricity bill at home by keeping the lights off and the HVAC set as close to the ambient outdoor temperature as you can stand.
SecureSpace Self Storage Mililani is an affordable option to store your furniture and personal belongings. We offer storage units from 5’ x 5’ all the way up to expansive, climate-controlled spaces for large homes and apartments.