Despite oil reaching its highest price of the year, the national average price for gasoline declined Sunday, for the first time since rising 27 cents during a period of 25 consecutive days. However, here in the 'Boro discounters UP'ed the price 8-cents to $2.31 per gallon.
During that same time, price rose 30 cents in Georgia, and 28 cents in Florida and Tennessee. U.S. gas prices are now exactly $1 cheaper than this time last year and motorists are saving an average of $15 on a full tank of gas.
"This is great news for motorists who are shaping their Memorial Day travel plans," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Typically it's not the price during the holiday weekend, but gas prices in the weeks leading up to the holiday that have the biggest effect on motorists' plans. Gas prices typically hit their yearly peak this time of year, but the price of oil has been on an upward trend for eight consecutive weeks, so gas prices may not hit their ceiling until oil prices find equilibrium."
"Ultimately, high oil production should lead to lower gasoline prices throughout the summer, unless there are unexpected supply issues," Jenkins said. "AAA remains confident that gasoline prices will not reach $3 a gallon this year."