Travel Expert Shares Tips to Save on Surging Gas Prices

Strategies include using credit card rewards, grocery store fuel points, and membership club discounts.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:36am

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As gas prices continue to rise in Southern California, a travel expert has shared several ways drivers can save between 10 and 50 cents per gallon when filling up. Recommendations include using credit cards that offer cash back or rewards on gas purchases, taking advantage of fuel savings programs linked to grocery store loyalty cards, and buying gas at wholesale clubs like Costco that offer steep discounts.

Why it matters

With gas prices up 46 cents per gallon compared to last week and 88 cents higher than last month in Riverside County, residents are feeling the financial strain. Finding ways to save at the pump can provide much-needed relief as the conflict in Iran continues to impact global oil markets.

The details

Travel expert Eric Rosen suggests several strategies to save money on gas. Using a credit card that offers 4% cash back at Shell stations can save nearly 25 cents per gallon. Redeeming grocery store loyalty points, like 100 points at Vons for 10 cents off per gallon at Chevron, can also lead to significant savings. Wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam's Club are offering discounts of 10 to 50 cents per gallon compared to regular retail prices.

  • Gas prices in Riverside County rose 6 cents per gallon overnight on March 14, 2026.
  • Prices are up 46 cents per gallon compared to last week and 88 cents higher than last month.

The players

Eric Rosen

The director of travel content for The Points Guy, an expert on credit card rewards and travel savings.

Tom Fitzgerald

A Riverside County resident traveling to Las Vegas for his 50th birthday, affected by the high gas prices.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone is thinking about how they can save.”

— Eric Rosen, Director of Travel Content, The Points Guy

“The community is being affected. Prices are really high, so it's a shame.”

— Tom Fitzgerald (abc7.com)

What’s next

As the conflict in Iran continues, experts say gas prices may remain high in the coming weeks and months, making it important for drivers to take advantage of all available savings opportunities.

The takeaway

With creative use of credit card rewards, grocery store loyalty programs, and wholesale club memberships, Southern California drivers can offset the financial burden of surging gas prices and find some relief at the pump.