CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 29, 2018) – Prices at the pump continue to climb across the nation and in the Carolinas. At $2.46, North Carolina’s average is up two cents from last week and 27 cents from this time last year. At $2.33, South Carolina’s average is also up two cents with a 29 cent increase from this time last year.
“Compared to the first few weeks of January last year, consumer gasoline demand is noticeably higher, which is surprising giving the frigid winter some of the Carolinas have experienced this month,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas PR Manager. “But demand isn’t the only factor driving prices up. Crude oil has been selling at very expensive rates the past few months. Those higher market prices are now trickling over to consumers at the pump.”
Nationally ($2.58), gas prices are 10 cents more expensive than one month ago and 30 cents more than one year ago.
Despite the rise in prices, South Carolina has claimed the cheapest gas in the country for the first time since August 2017.
“The gas market never fully stabilized after the hurricanes and flooding the Carolinas experienced in 2017,” Wright said. “Couple that with an increase of motorists on the road from last January means higher prices may be here to stay if demand remains this unusually high.”
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
GAS PRICES IN THE CAROLINAS REMAIN ON THE RISE
AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2.1 million members and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.