AAA forecasts that the national gas price average will drop to $2.70 this fall with the potential to drop even more.
That is 14-cents less a gallon compared to today’s price and more than a quarter cheaper than this year’s recorded high of $2.97 set in May.
AAA reports gas prices in Delaware are lowest, on average, in Sussex County and highest in Kent County.
So far this year prices at the pump have been more expensive compared to last year. Pennsylvania and New Jersey drivers are paying just under 50 cents more per gallon year-over-year, while Delaware drivers are paying 54 cents more than in 2017.
“Cheaper-to-produce gasoline and relatively stable crude oil prices in August, combined with an anticipated drop in consumer gasoline demand post-Labor Day, means consumers will see savings when they fill-up at the pump this fall,” said Ken Grant, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, Wilmington. “Several outliers can reverse this forecast, including crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions and the threat of a hurricane.”
| Area |
Aug. 28
|
Week Ago
|
Month Ago
|
Year Ago
|
2018 High Price
|
| Delaware |
$2.74
|
$2.75
|
$2.77
|
$2.20
|
$2.95
|
|
Philadelphia
|
$3.04
|
$3.05
|
$3.06
|
$2.54
|
$3.15
|
|
South Jersey
|
$2.78
|
$2.79
|
$2.82
|
$2.29
|
$2.96
|
| Pennsylvania |
$3.03
|
$3.04
|
$3.03
|
$2.54
|
$3.13
|
|
National
|
$2.84
|
$2.83
|
$2.86
|
$2.37
|
$2.97
|
Part of the anticipated drop in fall pump prices is due to the switchover to winter-blend gasoline in mid-September, AAA reported.
The difference between summer- and winter-blend gasoline involves the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of the fuel. RVP measures how easily the fuel evaporates at a given temperature.
The more volatile a gasoline (higher RVP), the easier it evaporates. Winter-blend fuel, which is cheaper to produce, has a higher RVP because the fuel must be able to evaporate at low temperatures.
In addition, the arrival of fall historically means a drop in consumer gasoline demand.
AAA is releasing the 2018 Gas Watcher’s Guide with tips for conserving fuel, saving money and maintaining fuel efficiency. The Guide offers these tips and others.
- If your vehicle’s engine does not require premium or mid-grade fuel, don’t buy it. Using anything other than regular grade is simply a waste of money.
-
Don’t top off your gas tank. Stop filling after the automatic nozzle shuts off the second time.
-
If you have to replace a gas cap, make sure it is the right one for your car. An ill-fitting cap will increase emissions and trigger the “check engine” light.
-
Keep track of gas mileage. If you notice a sudden decrease in fuel economy, have your vehicle checked by a technician.
Motorists can find current gas prices at GasPrices.AAA.com and along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
