National average gas cost falls for 3 months straight, at lowest level this year

The national average gasoline price has fallen for three straight months and is at its lowest level this year as oil prices continue to respond to cooling demand, an industry analyst said.

“With nearly 80,000 gas stations in the U.S. now priced below $3 per gallon, and 23 states also seeing average prices of $2.99 or less, motorists are getting substantial relief at the pump in time for the holidays,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

“The trend is likely to continue in most states this week, while the national average could soon fall below $3.05 per gallon, the lowest since 2021,” he said.

AAA expects nearly 104 million people will drive to their holiday destinations this year, an increase of 1.8% from 2022. It would be the second highest on record since 2019, when 108 million drivers hit the road for the holidays.

“As 2023 ends, drivers can expect to pay about the same or less for a gallon of gas than they did last holiday season, when the national average on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day was $3.10 and $3.20, respectively,” AAA said.

According to AAA, the national average was about $3.15 on Monday. That’s down about 9 cents from last week, about 22 cents from a month ago and 12 cents from a year ago.

State averages range from $2.62 in Texas to $4.71 in California, according to AAA. At a statewide average of $3.50, Pennsylvania remains among states with the highest average prices, which range from $3.41 to $4.71.

The Pennsylvania average is 6 cents less than a week ago, 12 cents less than a month ago and 29 cents less than a year ago.

Within the state, county averages range from $3.37 to $3.72. County averages in the Pittsburgh area, according to AAA:

• Allegheny: $3.55

• Armstrong: $3.63

• Beaver: $3.56

• Butler: $3.52

• Washington: $3.55

• Westmoreland: $3.55

The Pittsburgh area average is $3.53, according to GasBuddy, based on its survey of 731 stations. That’s about 6 cents less than a week ago, 17 cents less than a month ago and 29 cents less than a year ago.

Prices range from $3.15 to $3.89, a difference of 74 cents per gallon, according to GasBuddy. Statewide, prices range from $2.95 up to $4.49, a difference of $1.54 per gallon.

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices, according to GasBuddy:

• Akron: $2.81, down 15 cents from last week.

• Cleveland: $2.88, down 9 cents from last week.

• West Virginia: $3.10, down 10 cents from last week.