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WILKES-BARRE — The last time Luzerne County saw gas under $3 per gallon was April 24, and according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, the average price at the pump has dropped again.
For the first time in months, the average price of gas in the Wilkes-Barre region has dropped below $3 for a gallon of regular unleaded.
Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, said it’s typical for gas prices to tumble following the Labor Day holiday, as demand drops off and refineries change to the less expensive “winter blend” of gasoline — but not this year. Gas prices have remained relatively high, mostly because of the high price of crude oil. But, gas prices nationwide have finally been trending downward for more than a week now.
“The $3 benchmark should bring welcome relief for motorists in the Wilkes-Barre area who, for much of this year, have been paying the highest gas prices since 2014,” Tidwell said. “Unfortunately, AAA does not expect the downward trend to last.”
The average price for a gallon of regular gas in the Wilkes-Barre region Thursday was listed at $2.99 — down five cents from a week ago, but still 32 cents more than on this date last year.
Today’s Gas Price Average (11/1/18)
Nationwide, the average price of gas is $2.79 per gallon — five cents cheaper than a week ago, but 31 cents higher than on this same date last year.
Tidwell said AAA projects the drop off in gas prices will continue for the next few days or so, but prices are expected to increase again during the first week of November with uncertainty around the mid-term elections and in anticipation of the U.S. announcement of imposed sanctions on Iran.