Cranston a Low Gas Price Mecca?

About a month-and-a-half ago, "experts" were predicting $5 per gallon gas by now, or in the next few weeks as the summer driving season hits full speed.

But taking a drive through Cranston today reveals the forecasters got it very wrong.

A drop in commodity prices has affected copper, gold, natural gas and gasoline, which means lower costs at both the gas pump and construction site. And with people driving less and conserving energy everywhere they can, demand has not risen as much as anticipated for this time of year.

The average cost of gas in New England is $3.81 for a gallon of regular. That's a drop of more than 15 cents over the last month.

But cruise down Cranston Street and you'll see prices even lower — 20 cents per gallon lower.

At , and on Cranston Street, expect to pay about $3.61 per gallon. At , you'll pay just $3.59. (Prices were as of Monday).

"That's very low. Right now I'm going for the cheapest gas I can get right now. With the economy the way it is, you have to pinch every penny that you can," Al Cordeiro told NBC10.

"We have to because we put out one price and people put it down. When they put it down, we put it down. And who's the winner? The customer," said Leila Nasah, manager of Food 'N Fuel.

Some customers said they will drive a distance just for low gas prices.

"Every little bit helps. Especially today," Cordeiro said.

For a comparison, the Shell and Mobil stations on Point Judith Road in Narragansett are charging a bit more. Both stations are selling regular unleaded for $3.95 per gallon.

So if you plan on checking out the waves at the sea wall, maybe you should fill up on Cranston Street before you head down.

The latest survey from AAA New England indicates the average local price is 13 cents higher than the national average, which sits at $3.68 per gallon.

For more information on gas prices, visit AAA Southern New England's website.