Gas Prices Drop for the Second Week

The national average for a gallon of gas has dropped 9 cents to begin March, which is opposite of what motorists are used to, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report. The price increased by 6 cents last year at this time and by 17 cents in 2011.

In the Lehigh Valley, the average price of self-serve gasoline is $3.685 per gallon, 4.2 cents lower than a week ago, 2.5 cents lower than a month ago and 5.9 cents lower than a year ago.

This was the second week in a row to see a decline.

It is too soon to say whether retail prices have peaked for the spring, because there is still refinery maintenance to be completed, and much of the country must still transition to summer-blend gasoline, the report states. Yet even if prices do increase, AAA predicts that the national average will likely crest lower and earlier than recent years.

The national average retail price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline is $3.703, down 3.4 cents from a week ago. In Pennsylvania, the average price is about $3.723

Nearby, the cheapest price for regular is $3.64 a gallon at the Giant on 25th Street in Palmer Township followed by $3.66 a gallon at the Weis on William Penn Highway in Palmer Township.

In Forks Township, the cheapest gas can be found at Giant on Sullivan Trail, which is offering $3.73 a gallon.

If you spotted a better price, tell us in comments.

3/12/13

WEEK AGO

YEAR AGO

National

$3.703

$3.737

$3.801

Pennsylvania

$3.723

$3.765

$3.765

Bucks/Montgomery Area

$3.709

$3.744

$3.767

Lehigh Valley

$3.685

$3.727

$3.744