RI Gas Prices Slide 2 Cents, Should Keep Falling Through Fall

RHODE ISLAND—The summer driving season is over and gas prices are beginning to slide slightly before refineries switch to winter blends, falling about 2 cents on average in Rhode Island, according to AAA Northeast.

AAA's September survey shows regular unleaded averaging $2.18 per gallon, two cents below the national average of $2.20 per gallon. A year ago, gas prices were $2.33.

Patrick DeHaan, a petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, said the future of gas prices looks "terrific for motorists."

"Demand decreases for gasoline will accelerate as we progress toward autumn, and combined with the return of winter gasoline next week. . . prices will track lower more often than the opposite."

A major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico or unexpected events in the Middle East could cause prices to increase, though. Barring that, it's unlikely Rhode Islanders will see prices as high as in 2011, when prices were above $4 per gallon to start the year and didn't fall below $4 until May.

Patch file photo.