Capital Region Drivers Pay Less at the Pump as Gas Prices Drop

Capital Region drivers are experiencing a slight decrease in gas prices, with the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel now at $3.16. This marks a three-cent drop from last week, although it remains seven cents higher than a month ago. According to AAA, the state average currently stands at $3.20, while the national average is $3.13 per gallon.

The recent decrease in gas prices aligns with the arrival of fall and the transition to winter-blend gasoline, which is cheaper to produce. As reported by the AAA Newsroom, the national average dropped five cents since last week. The Atlantic hurricane season, although halfway over, remains a concern, as storm activity in the Gulf could impact refineries and affect prices.

While the national average has seen a slight increase recently, GasBuddy data suggests that prices could fall below $3 per gallon this autumn. The transition to winter gasoline and seasonal demand reduction are expected to apply downward pressure on prices. However, regional issues, such as refinery maintenance on the West Coast, may cause temporary price fluctuations.