Looking for Cheaper Gas? Join the Club

Everyone is looking for a deal at the gas pump these days. Join the club, right? Actually if you join a "club" like Costco or BJ's, usually for about $50, you might just find the cheapest gas in town.

Average gas prices, according to the Energy Information Administration, are at $3.52 nationally this week. The highest price found in the federal agency's chart is for San Francisco, at $3.91 a gallon this week. The Wall Street Journalreported today that there is a 25 percent chance gas prices could average $4 this summer.

The BJ's Wholesale Club, 13053 Fair Lakes Shopping Center, in Fairfax today has gas for $3.47 and the lines are long, according to Bill Rardin, who works at the station. "We're covered up." The station is open daily from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., and closes at 8 p.m. on Sundays.

At Costco at Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, lines are long as well. Although a telephone operator would not confirm the prices, GasBuddy.com reports the gas is selling for $3.34 per gallon. Drivers must be a Costco member to fill 'er up. The Costco in Manassas also features gas pumps.

Other ways to save on gas? If you shop at Giant, every dollar you spend is worth one point as part of the Giant Gas Awards program, using your Giant card with participating Shell gas stations. The store also has specials each week that will earn extra points. The points translate into savings you can use at the pump. For 100 points, you save 10 cents per gallon, for every 200 points, it's 20 cents, etc. you'll save depending on the amount of points you earn. Points must be used within 30 days of earning them.

How are you saving at the gas pump?