After a lull in the decline during the Labor Day weekend, gas prices in Virginia and nationally have continued to drop in recent weeks. According to the latest data released by AAA, the national average price for gas fell by 6 cents in the last week to $3.30 for a gallon of unleaded, while Virginia’s average price dropped 5 cents to $3.17. The state’s average cost has dropped 15 cents in the past month and 41 cents from the same time last year, according to AAA.
“There are now 10 states with gasoline averages below $3 a gallon, which means thousands of retail outlets east of the Rockies are selling gas at similarly low prices,” said Morgan Dean, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson. “With hurricane season remaining weak and disorganized, this trend of falling pump prices will likely continue.”
The drop in gas prices is being driven by low gas demand and a decrease in the cost of oil, which continues to struggle to stay above $70 a barrel.