Surprise!
Gasoline prices are falling, and they are tumbling quicker than many jaded motorists would have imagined a couple of months ago.
The average price for self-service regular gasoline has nose-dived more than 20 cents per gallon in the past 30 days, according to the daily Fuel Gauge report from Towson-based AAA Mid-Atlantic.
That means that 10 gallons of gasoline costs $2 less than it did 30 days ago.
The price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Maryland is $2.86. Gas prices fell 10 cents since this time last week and 22 cents from this time last month, AAA reported.
And the timing of the price drop comes as motorists hit the roads for the Labor Day weekend, considered the last holiday of the summer season.
“In Maryland, we have seen a significant decline in gasoline prices over the last several weeks, which is perfect timing for Labor Day travelers,” said Ragina Averella, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.
“We typically see a fall in gasoline prices after the Labor Day weekend when the summer driving season officially ends. However, a drop of 20 cents in two and a half weeks is certainly atypical and should be a welcomed sight for travelers and motorists alike.”
Averalla said she was even more surprised that gasoline prices continue to fall even as the nation faced the threat of two hurricanes ? although one was downgraded.
“We anticipate that prices will continue to drop,” Averalla said.
She has heard speculation that the rapid price fall may have more to do with an election year and politics than the economics of oil prices and trading a global market.
But she stopped short of endorsing the theory.
“It?s an opinion and assertion that we have heard mentioned,” she said.
“I think that is an interesting view shared by many.”
CHEAP GAS
A sampling of low gas prices in various communities
» Anne Arundel County
$2.69
7-Eleven, 730 E. College Parkway, Annapolis
» Baltimore County
$2.78
Mobil Station, Towson Town Center, Towson
» Baltimore City
$2.65
Joe?s Garage, 3200 Wasbash and Belle Ave., Baltimore
» Carroll County
$2.73
BJs, 820 Market St., Westminster
» Harford County
$2.74
Safeway, 225 Brierhill Drive, Bel Air
» Howard County
$2.83
Hess Station, U.S. Route 1 and Montgomery Road, Elkridge
Source: Marylandgasprices.com, gasbuddy.com, batlimoregasprices.com
