If you’ve ever noticed gas prices creeping up right before Memorial Day or skyrocketing ahead of Thanksgiving travel, it’s not your imagination—it’s a predictable trend. Fuel demand surges during holiday periods, and gas stations often raise prices in anticipation of increased traffic. But with the right timing, smart shopping, and a few savings tools, you can avoid overpaying at the pump during peak travel weekends.
Here’s why prices rise before holidays—and how to plan ahead so you don’t get caught paying the premium.
Why Holiday Gas Spikes Happen
Holiday weekends, especially ones built around travel and family gatherings, consistently drive up demand for fuel. According to industry data, the days leading up to Memorial Day, July 4th, and Thanksgiving are some of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Gas stations, aware of the upcoming rush, tend to increase prices two to five days before a major holiday. This spike is often more about anticipation than supply shortages—stations raise prices knowing that drivers are going to fill up regardless.
Other contributing factors include:
- Regional supply issues or refinery maintenance
- Increased crude oil prices ahead of high travel periods
- Last-minute surges from travelers who delayed refueling
How to Beat the Surge: Fill Up Early and Shop Smart
Timing is everything when it comes to saving on fuel during holiday weekends. Here’s how to get ahead of the curve:
- Fill up early in the week, ideally on Monday or Tuesday before a major holiday. Prices tend to start rising by Wednesday or Thursday.
- Avoid fueling on the day before or day of the holiday, when prices and pump lines peak.
- Use real-time price trackers like GasBuddy to compare station prices in your area and find the cheapest option nearby.
- Look into grocery fuel programs—stores like Safeway or Kroger offer discounts that can be redeemed at the pump, often at Shell, Chevron, or Texaco stations.
Stack Rewards with Ibotta and Fluz
For additional savings, pair your fuel strategy with cashback apps that reduce your total trip cost, especially when groceries are involved.
Use Ibotta at grocery stores like Safeway, Kroger, and Albertsons to earn cashback on holiday meal essentials. Activate offers before shopping, link your loyalty card, or upload your receipt to get money back—savings you can then apply toward gas.
Meanwhile, Fluz lets you shop discounted Chevron gift cards, save money on Shell, or get a discount on Speedway. Buy the gift card right before you fuel up, and you’ll get instant cashback—no receipts or scanning required.
Final Tip: Plan the Whole Trip
The best way to avoid inflated holiday fuel costs is to combine errands, plan your route in advance, and avoid unnecessary detours. Apps like Google Maps and Waze help identify traffic-prone areas so you can save both time and gas.
Add in a little cashback from Ibotta and Fluz, and you’ve got a pre-holiday fueling strategy that keeps more money in your wallet—no matter how far you’re driving.
