MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — As Labor Day weekend approaches, people on the Grand Strand can expect to see a drop in prices when filling their tanks.
Nationwide throughout the summer, all states have seen a significant drop in prices, according to GasBuddy Petroleum Analysist Patrick De Haan.
De Haan said that nationally, the average sits at $3.33. He predicts the national Labor Day weekend price to be $3.27.
But in Myrtle Beach, prices are even lower, with the average price sitting at $2.99, a 40-cent drop from last year and the lowest it’s been since March.
De Haan said this is due to South Carolina having lower gas taxes compared to other states across the country. Though being in the midst of hurricane season can disrupt the flow of gasoline from refineries if ventured into the gulf.
“Think the fact that gasoline taxes are lower in South Carolina and you have Colonial Pipeline, which is essentially a spigot that connects gasoline from Gulf Coast refineries up the East Coast,” he said. “So, that certainly helps as well. All in all, it’s been a quieter summer when it comes to gasoline demand. That’s part of why gas prices are lower than last year.”