Gas prices inching back up, but increase not expected to last long

A gallon of regular averages about $2.20 in metro Atlanta now, compared to $3.39 a year ago, according to AAA. Gas prices are significantly cheaper than in previous years due to the relatively low cost of crude oil.

The average price is seven cents less than one week ago, 46 cents lower than one month ago and 69 cents below what it was one year ago. “Barring any major supply disruptions, the national average could even test the $2 per gallon benchmark before the end of the year for the first time since 2009”.

Gas prices neared $2 a gallon at service stations around Greater Springfield this week, and experts are predicting continued declines.

Although almost one-third of the travelers will be flying, three of every five travelers in the survey said the low price of gasoline makes a auto trip more likely than it was a year ago.

The site AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report says additional price drops won’t come right away.

Gas stations in many parts of the country switched over to less expensive winter-blend gasoline on September 16.

The Orange County average price has dropped for 29 consecutive days and 48 of the past 49, decreasing 82.8 cents, including 1.4 cents on Thursday.

“That’s typical for this time of the year and sometimes as we get into October we see a little uptick in prices but usually it settles back down by November”. South Carolina, at $1.96, is the lowest in the nation followed by Mississippi ($1.96), New Jersey ($1.98), Alabama ($1.98) and Tennessee ($1.99).

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.