While not quite cheap, gasoline prices in Maryland and Baltimore are definitely lower.
In fact, as of Tuesday, the average gasoline price was the lowest it has been for the year, according to Towson-based AAA Mid-Atlantic?s Daily Fuel Gauge Report.
In Baltimore, the average price for a gallon of self-serve regular is $2.14 while the national average is $2.22 per gallon. Hawaii, at $3 per gallon, is the only state in the nation with an average price of $3 or more per gallon.
And some gas stations in Maryland, including a Shell station in Laurel at Route 198 and Bauer Lane, are selling gasoline at $1.99 per gallon, according to www.gasbuddy.com.
In Maryland, $2.18 for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline was last seen on Dec. 12, 2005, AAA stated in a news release.
Although gasoline prices have fallen for nine consecutive weeks, the rate of the free fall slowed in October compared to September.
“OPEC?s recent decision to cut oil production and the concern of a cold winter ? and a subsequent boost in demand for heating oil and natural gas ? have caused gasoline prices to retreat at a slower pace than in September,” said Ragina Averella, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “In spite of those concerns, however, unusually plentiful crude oil supplies here in the United States have kept prices inching downward.”
Tuesday?s average price in Maryland of $2.18 is only 5 cents lower than last week and 11 cents lower than two weeks ago, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
In September, prices in Maryland were falling between 10 to 17 cents a week.
“Although fuel prices have declined for nine consecutive weeks, we import two-thirds of the oil we use every day, and a significant portion of that comes from countries that are not fond of the United States,” Averella said.
