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Gas Is Up 34% This Year. Here's Where to Save Instead

Energy is driving inflation back up, but groceries and big-ticket electronics tell a different story. Here's how to rebalance your holiday budget.

By the Deal Dudes · Monday, November 2, 2026

TrendsDeals we checked for this story

Inflation jumped to 3.7% in September, and almost all of that came from one place: energy. Gasoline alone is up 34.2% from a year ago. The good news? Groceries rose just 1.8%, and plenty of the things on your holiday list are on sale right now.

Takeaway: if fuel is eating your budget, make it back on the stuff with real markdowns.

Today's picks

$248 at Walmart · ✓ verified
Samsung 55" Class U8000H 4K TV at Walmart Only $248 (Reg. $298)! $50 off a big-name 4K TV with thousands of shopper reviews.
Why we picked it: 4.4★ from 6.3K reviews · $50 below Walmart's regular price · Solid Deal on our Dude Meter
See the deal →
$89 at Walmart · ✓ verified
Apple AirPods 4 at Walmart Only $89 (Reg. $129.99)! $40 off one of the most-gifted gadgets of the year.
Why we picked it: 4.3★ from 90K reviews · $40.99 below Walmart's regular price · Solid Deal on our Dude Meter
See the deal →
$89 at Walmart · ✓ verified
Instant Pot RIO Chef Series 6-Qt at Walmart Only $89 (Reg. $119)! Cooking at home is still the easiest way to stretch a grocery budget.
Why we picked it: 4.5★ from 7.4K reviews · $30 below Walmart's regular price · Solid Deal on our Dude Meter
See the deal →
$98 at Walmart · ✓ verified
Ninja Hot & Iced 10-Cup Coffee Maker at Walmart Only $98 (Reg. $114)! Coffee-shop drinks at home add up fast.
Why we picked it: 4.5★ from 2.7K reviews · $16 below Walmart's regular price · Solid Deal on our Dude Meter
See the deal →

More Dude Facts

Bottom line

Combine errands to save on gas, and put the savings toward the gifts that are genuinely marked down this week.

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Sources

Prices change fast; the store's price at checkout is the one that counts. Some links earn us a commission, which never changes our picks or ratings.

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