Gas

Unrest in the Middle East and the closing of American refineries have gas prices going up, up, and away for US consumers. Analysts are predicting that the prices may continue to rise.

But don't worry, there are a number of methods to save on refueling your car. Here are some tips:

• Spend to Save: Look for deals around you that will help you save on your gas. For example, you can choose to frequent wholesale stores like Costco, which will give you a little bit of cash back on Costco gas. If you're a real gas guzzler, check out this full list of gas rebate cards on CreditCards.com.
• Don't Top It Off: Topping off your gas may result in a higher gas bill, because you might be paying for gas that goes back into the station's tanks after your gas tank is full, says the Environmental Protection Agency. You can also ruin your car's vapor recovery system if there is no room for the gas to expand in your tank.
• Smooth Trip: Starting and stopping excessively can shorten the life of your engine, transmission, brakes, and tires. Go easy on your braking and accelerating. Remember to also turn off your engine if you know you'll be waiting for a long while. Staying put without moving means you're getting 0 miles per gallon.

For more gas-saving tips, read on.

As a solution for the rising gas prices, people are taking to social media outlets to stage their protest, says The Consumerist. In fact, they are encouraging people to not fill their tanks today. We've been lamenting over the increasing cost of gas and came up tips to slash your bill and techie tools to find cheap gas, but it appears some people are being more proactive and are trying to make themselves heard by organizing a boycott on Facebook.

Their efforts seem to be pretty successful, the Gas Strike Facebook event, has more than half a million users who RSVP-ed. But it might not make a difference. The one-day gas strike will more likely hurt local gas station owners, rather than lower the price of a barrel of oil, says Economist Robert Salvino at Coastal Carolina University.

Will you be joining in the protest?

Dear Fit,
I'm not embarrassed to admit that I'm an extremely gassy person. I know it's a natural bodily function, even though I seem to do it more than the average person, but now I have an embarrassing problem. I used to work from home, so it didn't matter if I let my gas pass, but I just got a new job where I work in a big office. All our desks are in one big room, so there's absolutely no privacy. I've been there for a week now, and have just been holding it so my co-workers don't know my smelly secret. It's been hurting my belly a little, and I'm wondering if this is really bad for my body not to let it out.
— Full of Hot Air

Although most wouldn't like to admit it, we can all relate to your problem of being gassy in public. I don't blame you for not wanting to let 'em go at your new job, or any job for that matter. Who wants to admit that they're the source of smelly gas? I have some suggestions on how to curb your flatulence, so read more

Filling up the tank, unfortunately, helped to empty our wallets this year. Even while we saw comparatively lower prices through the year, 28 percent of you dropped $1,000 to $2,000 at the pump. Not exactly chump change, but still better than the 22 percent who surpassed the $2,000 mark, spending up to $3,000 for the year.

Tied for third at 13 percent, respectively, we've got the thrifty commuters who managed to keep their gas costs down between $500 to $1,000 and those who spent zero at the station — no car to drive, no tank to fill. So, what's the verdict, are you still planning to drive in 2010 or finding alternative transport?