Staff Reports
Gas prices are finally on a downward slide like a kid on a slip-and-slide after a modest drizzle. As of Thursday, the national average for regular gas has dipped to $3.19 per gallon, marking the lowest price since January 2024. It’s almost as if Americans were granted a small reprieve from the relentless squeeze on their wallets, though one can’t help but notice that prices still remain higher than during the golden days of the Trump administration.
For the past few months, gas prices have been on a gradual decline, aside from a brief uptick last week that could only be described as a minor hiccup in the rhythm of relief. An impressive 18 states are enjoying the luxury of gas prices below $3 per gallon. Yes, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia are living the high life of lower prices while the rest of the nation looks on in envy.
Gas prices: Average cost for regular gas now under $3.20 per gallon #news https://t.co/i6XnxHrHG6 via @dcexaminer
— Filtered News (@filterednews) October 3, 2024
With the 2024 presidential election looming like a summer storm, gas prices are becoming a hot topic. Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee, has to face the music. While Biden ducks for cover, it’s up to Harris to outline how she plans to tackle energy costs that keep rising faster than a balloon at a birthday party. If she can’t convince the American people that her policies will lead to cheaper pumps, she might just find herself on the losing end of a vote.
While it’s comforting to see some states enjoying lower prices, it’s too little too late for other regions. Maryland, for example, is still hobbling along with prices at $3.228 per gallon, higher than the national average and certainly not something to brag about at the summer barbecue. Delaware, which once basked in the glory of low prices, has fallen off the wagon and now echoes the woes of Maryland at $3.18 per gallon—but don’t get too excited, as it’s a noticeable rise compared to just last week.
Meanwhile, in a state that could be mistaken for Saudi Arabia when it comes to gas prices, California remains the high roller, with prices hitting a staggering $4.669 per gallon. Despite a minor decrease, it’s still a painful reminder that some people would need to take out a second mortgage just to fill up their tanks. Amidst all this chaos, though, Mississippi continues to hold the title for the cheapest gas in the nation, coming in at a humble $2.677 per gallon. Perhaps Mississippi has stumbled upon the secret formula to low prices—if only the rest of the country could catch on.
