Gas prices are falling across the U.S.—but some states are faring better than others.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), as of Thursday, the national average for gas prices is $3.242 per gallon. This represents a decrease from last month’s average of $3.443 per gallon for regular gas and an even larger drop from September of last year, when prices were at $3.836 per gallon. Data from GasBuddy also shows that a decline in prices has been consistent for the past six weeks.
This downward trend in gas prices will provide some relief to motorists, who have been facing higher than usual fuel costs in recent years, with averages in some states exceeding $5 per gallon in 2022.
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The nationwide average for a gallon of regular fuel is expected to fall under $3 as early as October, for the first time in three years. The last time gas prices were recorded below a $3 average was in April 2021.
Where Are Gas Costs Falling Fastest?
From September 2023 to Sept. 13, 2024, gas prices have fallen most significantly in Western states, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
There are two states in which gas prices have fallen by more than a dollar. In Arizona, where the biggest drop has been recorded, gas prices have fallen by $1.073. Last September, a gallon would have set you back $4.490 – but now it costs $3.417.
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In Oregon, a gallon of regular fuel is almost a dollar cheaper now than it was at this time in 2023, down to $3.755 from $4.715 – a difference of 97 cents. Neighboring Washington has had similar luck, with prices falling by 91 cents from $5.061 to $4.151.
Bucking the trend of fast dropping prices being concentrated in the Western states, Oklahomans are also paying nearly a dollar less for fuel now. A drop of 95 cents has been recorded there – the third-largest decline in the country. Minnesota has also seen a dramatic decline, of 93 cents.
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Outside of the contiguous U.S., in Alaska gas costs have dropped from $4.597 to $3.722 – 87 cents from September to September.
“There are an ever-increasing number of states east of the Rockies that have some retail gas locations selling regular for under $3 a gallon, so drivers will have more in their wallets with autumn approaching,” said Andrew Gross, an AAA spokesperson. “Should the national average fall below $3, it will be the first time since May 2021.”
While the trend for declining prices has been observed in every U.S. state, some haven’t seen such significant drops. The lowest recorded fall is in Hawaii, where gas is only 16 cents cheaper now than it was in September 2023.
Comparatively slow declines have also been reported in Michigan, dropping from $3.634 to $3.276 – just 36 cents less expensive than a year ago. Other Eastern states haven’t seen gas prices drop by nearly as much as in the West, with drops ranging between 40 cents to 66 cents across the region.
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Publish date : 2024-09-12 22:24:00
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