Columbia, South Carolina – The last week saw a little decrease in gas prices for South Carolina drivers, which provided a bit of relief at the pump. The average cost of a gallon of gasoline dropped by 1.3 cents, to $3.16, according to GasBuddy’s survey of over 3,000 gas stations around the Palmetto State. With summer driving season fast approaching, gas prices are expected to continue to drop.
South Carolina gas prices are 8 cents per gallon less than they were a month ago. They are still 2 cents higher now than they were a year ago. Monday morning saw a significant difference of 94 cents between the most expensive station in the state, charging $3.79 a gallon, and the least expensive station charging $2.85.
More noticeably, the national average cost a gallon of gasoline dropped by 3.5 cents, to $3.55. Though down 12 cents from a month ago, this national average is still 2.2 cents more than it was a year ago. The average price of a gallon of diesel fell by 3.3 cents to $3.86.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, shared an optimistic outlook for motorists as Memorial Day approaches.
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“The news continues to be good for motorists ahead of Memorial Day, with gasoline prices again falling, making it four straight weeks of declines for the national average as we get closer to the start of the summer driving season,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said.
“The good news doesn’t necessarily end there, either. GasBuddy’s Summer Travel Forecast, coming out tomorrow, will also give motorists mostly good news for the rest of the summer, predicting that gas prices over the next few months will stay far under record levels and should continue trending lower as we get closer to July 4. While the Middle East, hurricane season, refinery maintenance and any other unexpected disruptions or weather remain wildcards, this summer is shaping up to be mostly favorable for drivers hitting the road,” De Haan added.
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South Carolinians getting ready for summer road trips may find a welcome respite in the recent decline in gas prices. In the upcoming months, drivers may anticipate more reasonably priced travel since the national trend also indicates a drop.
