Pa. Gas Prices to Dip Below $3 Soon, AAA Estimates

By Kara Seymour

Gas prices have dropped to their lowest since December 2010, according to national averages calculated by AAA.

Over the weekend, the national average for the price of gas was $2.99. In Pennsylvania, the price of a gallon of gas averaged $3.12 on Sunday.

Prices in New Jersey and Delaware have gone below the $3 a gallon mark and AAA estimates Pennsylvania pumps will join them soon.

Gas prices typically decline this time of year, but become cheaper than usual due to a sharp decline in the price of crude oil, AAA said.

“Consumers are experiencing ‘sticker delight’ as gas prices unexpectedly drop below $3.00 in much of the country,” said Director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic Jim Lardear. “Lower gas prices are a boon to the economy just in time for holiday travel and shopping.”

Before this week’s decline, the national average gas price was above $3 for 1,409 consecutive days.

The lower prices are saving consumers $250 million each day as compared to prices over the summer, AAA said.