If you have filled up your gas tank lately, you’ve noticed prices are higher than usual.

Experts say it could only climb higher.

In October 2017, research company “GasBuddy” recorded the average gas price in Honolulu at$2.91.

GasBuddy says the average at the same time this year is $3.70, and AAA has Hawaii’s average even higher at $3.85.

“Going up…up and up and up. Just, wow. It is what it is. We cannot do nothing. I no like catch the bus, so gotta pay,” said Ewa Beach resident Bong Tadios.

GasBuddy says prices this week were 79 cents per gallon higher than one year ago, and 9.2 cents per gallon more than a month ago. The company adds it may get worse before it gets better.

“There’s not really anything we can do to help save money other than drive less. And who’s going to drive less? We all have extreme car payments, we’re going to drive our car,” said Amber Le.

The owner of Liberty Tow in Kalihi says there are some things drivers can do to keep the gas tank from depleting quickly.

First tip: fill up in the morning or evening.

“It’s cooler in the morning and evening when the sun isn’t beating down on the pumps. It’s like a bowling ball versus a styrofoam ball. More amount is getting put in your tank when it’s cooler,” explained Le.

Another tip: Maintain your car – with properly inflated tires.

“It’s kind of like – you haven’t had your coffee in the morning and you’re sluggish. There’s too much traction, taking too much energy to just go forward,” said Le.

And when you’re filling up – pull the trigger slowly.

“Slowly pull the trigger so you don’t get so much air in it,” said Le.

Researchers say gas could reach highs they haven’t seen since 2014. Much of it is related to an improving economy: higher demand and lower supply.