gas price hikes

It's almost automatic: As soon as gas prices go up, the media rushes to offer suggestions for saving money on fuel. But rather than recycling all the old familiar ideas, DailyFinance asked its readers for their best suggestions to reduce pain at the pump, and you gave us some unusual options.

Inflation in 2010 was low, according to the consumer price index. But underlying growth in the cost of energy, raw materials and health care could indicate significant inflation this year. And that could mean higher prices for consumers or lower profits for companies.