For the average driver, premium gasoline is not worth the price, according to AAA.
The price gap between premium and regular-grade gasoline has jumped from a steady 10 percent to 25 percent or more per gallon.
“The gap between premium and regular gas has been steadily rising since 2009, with the most dramatic increase occurring in the last two years,” Jeanette Casselano, AAA gas price expert, said. “Fewer than five years ago, only a 10 percent gap existed between premium and regular. Today, that spread has doubled with premium gasoline costing almost 50 cents more per gallon and is still climbing despite the fact that consumer demand for premium isn’t necessarily increasing.”
A percentage of vehicles recommend, but do not require, the use of premium fuel. These vehicles showed an average 2.7 percent increase in fuel economy and a 1.4 percent increase in horsepower. Owners will need to weigh the cost of fuel with the benefits of premium gas, AAA said.
The number of vehicles recommending higher-octane fuel has grown as automakers work toward meeting Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards.
AAA recommends drivers use only regular gasoline for vehicles when higher-octane is not recommended.
Annually, drivers waste $2.1 billion buying premium gasoline when it is not required.