Rising gas prices have prompted the U.S. Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency have created a fuel economy Web site providing the cheapest gas prices in the area.

The Web site, www.fueleconomy.gov, gives tips about gas mileage and saving money.

Bo Saulsbury from the National Transportation Research Center recommends drivers visit the site.

“I think everyone knows that it’s important to conserve energy, but people actually miss the fact that they can save money for themselves,” he said.

The site offers up-to-date gasoline prices in major U.S. cities and compares the current price to prices one week and one year prior.

The site contains information about advanced technology such as hybrid cars and other related issues.

Hybrid vehicles combine the best features of the internal combustion engine with an electronic motor and significantly can improve fuel economy, according to the site. Since hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient, manufacturers expect to offer consumers more hybrid vehicle options.

“Hybrids have become more accepted as mainstream cars,” Saulsbury said. “Ford is going to release a hybrid SUV and DaimlerChrysler is making a hybrid Dodge Ram Pickup.”

Consumers who consider buying a new or used car can find the exact manufacturer, model and year on the Web site and get information on its fuel economy, greenhouse, gas emissions and air pollution ratings.

Weekly U.S. retail regular-grade gasoline prices have increased 40 cents per gallon in two years, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Average gas prices as of the week of April 15, 2002, were $1.40 per gallon. During the week of April 15, 2004, gas prices averaged nearly $1.80 per gallon.