How to Deal with Rising Gas Prices in Maine

Maine’s gas prices are on the rise just like everywhere else but there are strategies to help you save. Click here for more.
Written by Mary Alice Morris
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Just like everywhere else in the U.S.,
Maine’s
gas prices are rapidly rising. With regular gas costing 15 cents more than the national average, Maine ranks 11th in the nation when it comes to high prices at the pump.
A lot of factors have caused the sharp uptick we’re all seeing in fuel costs. The Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing rapid economic recovery caused gas usage and prices to dip and then sharply increase. These factors, combined with sanctions placed on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, have wreaked havoc on fuel prices worldwide.
To help you adjust to the high price of filling your tank,
Jerry
, the automotive
super app
and licensed
car insurance
broker, has outlined everything you need to know about Maine’s rising gas prices. We’ve got expert guidance on how and where to save, with tips and tricks to make car ownership a little less expensive. 
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What is the average price of gas in Maine?

According to data from
AAA
, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas is $4.771 in Maine in May 2022. That exceeds the national average by nearly 15 cents. 
It’s even worse if you use mid-grade, premium, or diesel. Here’s how those prices break down, on average, in Maine:
  • Regular: $4.771/gal
  • Mid-grade: $5.097/gal
  • Premium: $5.394/gal
  • Diesel: $6.199/gal
If you drive a diesel
Volkswagen
or
Mercedes
, you’re going to feel the pressure on your pocketbook more than everyone else.

Which city in Maine has the highest gas prices?

At the end of May 2022, four cities were tied with the highest price of unleaded regular gas in Maine, at $4.99/gal. Those areas were Cumberland, Phillips,
Kennebunk
, and
Athens
The lowest regular gas prices are found in Southwest Harbor at just $4.50/gal.
Auburn
follows closely behind with prices at $4.53/gal.

Why are gas prices in Maine so high?

So why is gas so high in Maine and so low in places like
Kansas
($4.129/gal) and
Georgia
(4.136/gal)?
To start, we should clarify that those “low” prices in Kansas and Georgia are actually still pretty high. The bulk of the problem is far beyond state control. However, some of Maine’s higher gas prices can be attributed to two things: position and policy. 
Maine’s location on the eastern seaboard means that it’s more removed than southern and midwestern states from gas pipelines. There are some gas pipelines in the region, but not nearly as many as there are pumping fuel into middle America. 
The need to ship fuel in rather than access it through an underground network of pipelines means prices are just going to be higher. It’s a logistical issue. 
Another factor adding up to higher prices is tax. Maine charges a tax of $0.30 per gallon on gasoline and $0.312 on diesel. That’s still in the bottom half of states when you rank them by gas tax rates, but it’s substantially more than what they charge in Kansas. The gas tax is about 1 cent less in Georgia, though Georgia actually charges a higher tax rate than Maine for diesel. 
There are a few options on the table to help drivers in Maine find a little relief. The state will issue an
$850 relief check
to income-qualifying residents in June. The governor has said this is in part to help overcome the economic recession and in part to help with rising gas prices. 
Some legislators in the state have also proposed eliminating Maine’s gas tax temporarily, or cutting it in half, but so far neither proposal has made it off the ground. There is some opposition because the gas tax is what supports Maine’s highway department. 
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How to deal with Maine’s gas prices

The price you pay for gasoline or diesel comes down to shifting global conditions and the policies of the state, national, and even foreign governments. It’s pretty far out of your hands—but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. 
There are a few things you can do to get a grip on your gas budget, but it might require a few lifestyle changes on your end. Here are some money-saving tips to help you adjust to rising fuel costs: 
  • Keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule: Getting your car’s regular oil changes, tune-ups, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance tasks may cost some money upfront but they will save you money in the long run. These
    routine services
    will keep your car running for longer, preserve its resale value, and keep it running more efficiently. You can save money on fuel by keeping your car well-maintained.
  • DIY what you can: We’re not saying you should try to pull the transmission out of your car if you’re not trained on how to do so. Big jobs ought to be left for the
    professionals
    . But there are
    routine fixes
    and cosmetic repairs that you can definitely learn to do at home, which will save you some serious cash.
  • Refinance your car loan: You may be surprised by how much it can help to get your car loan refinanced. Refinancing might snag a better interest rate and lower monthly payments. If you’ve never refinanced before, or you’re just not sure how to get started, Jerry can help. With the Jerry app, you’ll find ways to save on car insurance and
    car loans
    at the same time!
  • Go electric: Maine offers
    rebate incentives
    of up to $5,500 for a new electric vehicle. There are also rebates for buying used electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The rebate and the gas savings combined can help keep your budget on track.
  • Switch insurance companies: Did you know that
    experts recommend
    shopping for new car insurance every six months? That’s because, just like gas prices, insurance prices are always changing. The easiest way to price compare insurance is with Jerry!

Save money on car insurance in Maine

It’s uncertain when or if gas prices in Maine will dip again, so the best idea for you is to find ways to save money on your car’s regular expenses.
Jerry
can help with that in two big ways—by finding you
cheap car insurance
and by helping you refinance your
car loan
Jerry’s top-rated app can help you shop for car insurance, and will continue monitoring car insurance policy prices for you every time your renewal approaches. Signing up with Jerry only takes about 45 seconds. You can do everything from the app—no calls, no paperwork, and no awkward office visits. 
Best of all is how much you can save. On average, Jerry users save more than $800 a year on car insurance!
“I usually hate all the phone calls that come with getting car insurance quotes, but with
Jerry
I was able to do everything over text. I went from $224 with my previous provider to $193 with Nationwide. Such a relief!” —Gabby P.
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