As motorists in Superiorland and just about everywhere know, the price of gasoline has gone through the roof in recent days and weeks. In some areas of the state, the cost for a gallon of regular no lead has jumped the better part of a buck, to $4.85 or more.

It isn’t quite that bad in this area but what we’re paying is close. And no one knows when costs might decrease.

Everyone is asking why? Like most things federal government, big business and even bigger money, the answer is complicated and fraught with politics.

Start with the war with Iran. It isn’t helping anything. Although only about 20 percent of the world’s crude makes its way through the Strait of Hormuz each day, its loss stresses all of the other oil suppliers in the world, causing oil prices to skyrocket.

And that’s just for openers. Now, consider unexpected problems of some sort at huge refineries in California and the Great Lakes region. That, too, has restricted supply.

And don’t forget the seasonal impact. This is the time of year that oil companies switch from winter to summer blends, which, we understand, cost more to produce.

Add everything together and you have a basic perfect storm for the increased prices at the pump.

Don’t blame your corner retailer. All he’s doing is passing the increases (or decreases) on to the customer — you. He doesn’t operator refineries, major terminals or cause trouble overseas. His prices go up and down all the time, too.

What can you do about it? As a practical matter, not a whole lot, at least in the short term. Some of us, and maybe a lot of us, have to drive, either for our jobs or where we live. We don’t have the option of simply staying out of our vehicles.

But we can drive slower, which will use less gas. Here are a handful of other useful ideas to help you save at the pump:

• Use discount programs: Leverage loyalty programs from retailers like Meijer or Kroger, which can offer significant savings per gallon.

• Use gas-finding apps: Use apps to locate the cheapest fuel along your route, avoiding expensive convenience stations.

• Check tire pressure: Properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by about 3% to 10%.

• Avoid aggressive driving: Consistent speeds reduce fuel consumption, while rapid braking and acceleration can lower fuel economy by 10% to 40%.

• Use credit card rewards: Utilize credit cards that provide cash back on gasoline purchases.

• Consider fuel grades: Skip premium fuel if your car does not specifically require it.

And hang in there. The price of gasoline will decrease at some point. In the meantime, make the best of a bad situation and keep in mind, at least the snowbanks are gone.