Gas Prices on the Upswing: What South Carolinians Need to Know!
Charleston, S.C. — If you’ve noticed your gas expenses creeping up a bit lately, you’re not imagining it! This week, residents across South Carolina are seeing an increase of 4.2 cents per gallon, bringing the average gas price to $2.80 as of Monday morning. But don’t worry, this still keeps us under the national average!
A Glimpse at the Numbers
According to a recent survey conducted by GasBuddy, which monitored over 3,000 gas stations statewide, prices have dropped significantly compared to previous months and last year. In fact, they are down 8.8 cents from last month and a whopping 9.2 cents compared to last year. It seems like we are in a bit of a mixed bag with prices!
Finding the Best Deals
If you’re looking for gas that won’t break the bank, you might want to check out a few specific stations. Over the weekend, the cheapest gallon of gas in South Carolina was reported at just $2.50, while the priciest reached up to $3.19. For those in the Lowcountry, three stations are currently offering some of the best prices in the region—Murphy USA at 603 St. James Avenue in Goose Creek, Walmart at 215 St. James Avenue in Goose Creek, and BJ’s at 1035 Jockey Court in Summerville—all priced at $2.61 a gallon.
What’s Going On Nationwide?
Now, you might be wondering how South Carolina’s gas prices compare to the rest of the country. Well, overall, the national average price of gasoline has dipped 2.6 cents this week to an average of $3.03 per gallon. It’s worth noting that this is a decrease of 16.7 cents from last month and an impressive 32.3 cents from this time last year. So things are definitely looking a bit brighter for drivers nationwide!
Seasonal Trends and Predictions
Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, shared some insights about the market trends. He explained that while the election buzz is behind us, gas prices are showing some surprising stability. For the fourth consecutive week, the national average has declined! As the cool winds of fall settle in, demand starts to lessen, which usually means good news for your wallet.
De Haan pointed out that we could soon see the national average drop below $3.00 for the first time since May 2021—something that many families would appreciate as we gear up for the busy Thanksgiving season! This shift also comes as diesel prices have already dipped below the $3.00 mark, a welcome relief for truckers and companies.
Keep Your Eye on the Prices!
Whether you’re making a quick trip for groceries or planning a longer festive road trip, keeping an eye on gas prices can save you some cash. So be sure to check for the best deals in your area! With the holidays approaching, every penny counts.
For now, enjoy the ride and be on the lookout for that perfect gas station that fits your budget!
