CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 27, 2018) – Prices at the pump are headed toward some of the cheapest prices Carolinians have seen this year. North Carolina’s current average of $2.43 hasn’t been this low since March of this year. The lowest it has been in 2018 was when it hit $2.36 in January. South Carolina’s average of $2.21 is the lowest the state has seen so far this year, the last time prices were this low were on January 1, 2018 when they hit $2.24.
“Carolinians are getting an early holiday gift in the form of cheaper gas prices,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas spokesperson. “Prices are likely to continue to drop slightly and remain low as we continue to use winter-blend gasoline. This is the time of year when motorists can expect to see fluctuating prices at gas stations as retailers compete during the winter-driving season, when demand is typically low.”
South Carolina’s $2.21 is a ten-cent drop on the week and a 32 cent drop on the month, while North Carolina’s $2.43 is an eight-cent drop on the week and a 24 cent drop on the month.
Below is a breakdown of prices by region:
Gas prices have been cheaper in the U.S. as crude oil sells at $57/bbl and cheaper – the lowest prices of the year. However, market observers warn crude could see an increase following the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting on December 6 in Vienna, Austria. At that meeting, OPEC is expected to curtail crude production by 1 million to 1.4 million barrels per day, which could cause crude prices to rise due to reduced global supply, in turn causing gas prices to turn higher in America.
Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile .
AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2.1 million member and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
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