U.S.-China trade war keeping gas prices down for Labor Day

The escalating trade war with China will benefit motorists at the gas pump this Labor Day.

“With Labor Day around the corner, motorists will see the cheapest end to the summer since 2016, a great send-off to wrap up the summer driving season, but more good news likely lay ahead for motorists,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

“Gas prices will likely decline even more substantially starting in mid-September as most of the nation begins the transition back to cheaper winter gasoline starting September 16,” he said. “Fall will bring plenty of falling gas prices, so long as there remains turmoil between the U.S. and China.”

In Pittsburgh, gas prices are 2.9 cents per gallon less than a week ago, averaging $2.82, according to GasBuddy and its survey of stations. That’s 14.1 cents per gallon less than a month ago, and 28.6 cents per gallon less than a year ago.

The national average has come down for six straight weeks. It’s down 2.1 cents per gallon from last week to an average of $2.58, according to GasBuddy. That’s 16.3 cents per gallon less than a month ago, and 25 cents per gallon less than a year ago.