Thanksgiving Gas Prices Drop to Pandemic Lows, Under $3 in 30 States
As Thanksgiving approaches, drivers are witnessing a noteworthy trend in gas prices. According to GasBuddy, the national average price for gasoline this holiday season is projected to be $3.02 per gallon. This figure reflects stability compared to last year’s prices and represents the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices recorded since the onset of the pandemic.
Thanksgiving Gas Prices Reach Pandemic Lows
The forecasted price of $3.02 is a significant drop from previous years, when prices peaked at $3.39 per gallon in 2021 and $3.56 in 2022. The current trend indicates a shift in the economic landscape for travelers.
Gas Prices Under $3 in 30 States
The affordability of gasoline varies across the United States. Nearly 30 states are currently enjoying average prices below $3 per gallon. Key states with the lowest gas prices include:
- Oklahoma: $2.50
- Mississippi: $2.61
- Louisiana: $2.65
- Tennessee: $2.66
- Arkansas: $2.67
- Texas: $2.70
- Kansas: $2.71
- Missouri: $2.73
- Alabama: $2.73
- Kentucky: $2.74
On the opposite end of the spectrum, California remains the state with the highest gas prices, averaging $4.63 per gallon. Other states with elevated prices include Hawaii at $4.47 and Washington at $4.18.
Record High Thanksgiving Travel
In conjunction with lower gas prices, AAA anticipates that around 82 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving. This number marks an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to the previous year, setting a new record for Thanksgiving travel.
The combination of stable gas prices and rising travel activity indicates a positive shift for consumers as they begin their holiday journeys. With many states experiencing the lowest gasoline prices in years, families and individuals are expected to hit the roads with renewed enthusiasm.
