If you’re looking for big break at the gas pump this month, you’re out of luck.
The national gas price average is hovering around $2.49, which is 36 cents more than this time last year, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
While AAA Mid-Atlantic does expect gas prices to decline between now and the end of the year, motorists will still pay the highest December gas prices since 2014, according to AAA spokesman Ken Grant:
“Despite a forecasted five to 20 cent decrease in the coming weeks, motorists will see higher than expected December gas prices, especially compared to year-end prices from 2015 and 2016," said Grant.
There is good news though. Grant says the trend toward lower prices is expected to continue this winter.
“Driving factors for cheaper gas prices this winter include colder temperatures, the threat of inclement weather and online shopping,” said Grant.
But in 2017, gas prices have strayed from typical trends.
Grant say this year the typical factors that drive gas prices down in winter were outweighed by the impact of two major hurricanes, steady consumer demand and continued growth in gasoline exports.
The average price for a gallon of regular in the First State this weekend is $2.39, down 3 cents from a week ago, but 19 cents more than last year at this time.
