Prediction That Gas Prices Will Drop Below $2 Again

GasBuddy says that before St. Nick arrives as many as 20 states, including North Carolina and many others across the south, could see prices fall below that point as they forecast the national average for December to drop to $1.98. There are several factors that drive down the price after Labor Day.

According to GasBuddy, demand slips in the autumn and winter after summer vacations and regional, national, and global supply is good. Local gasoline prices remain about 10 cents below the national average price of $2.75.

Motorists could be treated to a national average gasoline price below $2 a gallon in December, GasBuddy experts said today, but it’s likely that Palm Beach County motorists will have to drive elsewhere to pump gas that cheap.

“We’re confident that our projections give consumers more than accuracy; we think they’ll help them identify some savings that should come in handy at Thanksgiving and Christmas”, said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.

Less driving, no major refinery problems, a cheaper blend of fuel and more efficient gas-powered cars and more hybrids and electric cars – “it’s the ideal recipe for savings at the pump till the end of the year”, said Will Speer, another senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. Prices were down 73.6 cents from the same time the year before and down 20 cents from the previous month. The U.S. average was $2.67 Friday, while California was still much higher at $3.79.

The lowest price in the Harrisburg remains at $2.46 a gallon at Costco, Lower Paxton Township; Exit 77 Travel Plaza in West Hanover Township; and Sam’s Club in Swatara Township.