It’s hard to not notice the recent gasoline prices as many of them have dipped to almost $3.
We haven’t seen prices that low in a very long time. It actually looks strange to see the price on the sign that low, and perhaps even stranger when your eight-cylinder SUV takes only $55 to $60 to fill instead of $75 to $80.
I’m a meteorologist by trade, but I have to believe these cheaper prices will not last long at all. In my opinion, I would anticipate some type of increase BEFORE Christmas since one of the busiest travel times of the year are upon us.
The attached photo was snapped Sunday evening at the Speedway station on Alpine in Comstock Park, but many stations have fallen to $3.10 or less. GasBuddy.comreports the national average at $3.25. One month ago they say it was $3.44, and one year ago $3.24. Either way, it’s dropped substantially from the $3.95 it was at in West Michigan just a few months back in mid September. Click hereto see the chart. Click hereto see where the cheapest gas in the country can be found.
It’s also interesting to look at the prices of crude oil per barrel. In mid December 2011, crude oil was hovering at OR around $98 per barrel. Today, crude oil is around $86 per barrel. One would think gas should be substantially less expensive than it was one year ago. Comparatively speaking, it’s only a few pennies cheaper.
AAA of Michigan is estimating that more than 93 million drivers will hit the road this holiday season. In fact, it could be the busiest holiday travel period in six years.
At any rate, I would fill up now before the holiday rush and likelihood that prices may briefly rise BEFORE us 93 million Americans hit the road. Just a thought. Good luck and happy travels.
