Gas prices in the United States are once again decreasing, providing some relief to drivers who are paying less to fill up their tanks. The national average for gas prices currently stands at approximately $3.44 per gallon, which is a reduction of about 9 cents from a week ago. This marks the largest one-week drop recorded by AAA in 2024. The average price is also more than 19 cents lower than it was a month ago and over 14 cents below the level seen this time last year. There are several reasons contributing to this decline in gas prices, including lackluster demand and strong supply, as well as relatively mild oil prices globally.
**Factors Contributing to Falling Gas Prices**
One of the main reasons behind the falling gas prices is decreased demand. According to AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross, demand is shallow, especially compared to pre-pandemic levels. Last week, data from the Energy Information Administration showed a decline in U.S. gasoline demand to about 8.94 billion barrels per day, significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. The high gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, persistent inflation, and the increased number of fuel-efficient cars and electric vehicles on the road have also influenced driving habits. This combination of factors has contributed to the reduction in gas prices.
**Seasonal Variations and Refinery Utilization**
Seasonal factors also play a role in the fluctuation of gas prices. Gas prices typically ease in early summer due to increased refinery capacity. Refinery maintenance is usually completed by this time of year, leading to a rise in output and supply. This, combined with reduced consumption, results in a decline in gas prices. The Biden administration’s release of 1 million gasoline barrels from a Northeast reserve has had a limited impact on gas prices nationally but has helped mitigate the effects of higher prices.
**Impact of Oil Prices**
Gas prices are closely tied to the cost of crude oil, which is the primary component in gasoline. West Texas Intermediate crude has remained in the mid-$70s per barrel, which is considered favorable for gas prices. Factors like OPEC production cuts and global economic conditions influence oil prices, which can be volatile. The recent announcement by OPEC+ to extend production cuts has contributed to stabilizing oil prices.
**Future Price Trends and Potential Risks**
Analysts predict that gas prices could continue to decrease, barring any significant unexpected events. Hurricane risks are a concern at this time of year, as they can disrupt refinery operations and lead to price increases. Despite this, experts believe that gas prices will remain relatively stable in the coming months, with the national average projected to range between $3.35 and $3.70 per gallon. Prices typically decrease further in the fall, with a possibility of the national average falling below $3 in late October or early November.
**Regional Disparities in Gas Prices**
While gas prices are declining across the country, some states consistently have lower averages than others due to various factors. States like Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas have the lowest average gas prices, while California, Hawaii, and Washington have the highest prices. Factors such as proximity to refineries, state fuel requirements, and local supply influence regional gas prices. Despite these disparities, the overall trend in gas prices is downwards, providing some relief to consumers.