S.C. Has Cheapest Gasoline in U.S.

If you're traveling outside South Carolina this weekend, fill 'er up inside the Palmetto State's borders. While many parts of the U.S. are experiencing gas shortages and skyrocketing prices, South Carolina has the cheapest gas in the nation.

More good news: In the state, the Upstate has the lowest prices right now.

Across South Carolina, a gallon of regular unleaded is averaging about $3.48 today, according to AAA Fuel Guage Report. Though the price is up about 30 cents from this time last year, prices have fallen about 5 cents over the last week. A gallon of gas here in the Upstate is averaging about $3.42 a gallon.

To find the lowest prices closest to you, check out our "Commute" feature. (For future reference, it's located by clicking the "More Stuff" tab on our home page).

Nationally, however, the same gallon of gas costs $3.78 a gallon. And some states, such as California, are seeing gas prices push beyond $4.50 a gallon today, according to AAA. Some parts of the state are seing prices push beyond $6 a gallon as shortage fears drain supply.

South Carolina traditionally has some of the most affordable gas in the country. The Palmetto State even beats out Gulf Coast states, which benefit from having fuel refineries within their borders, according to USA Today.

What the Palmetto State has going for it, however, is the one of the lowest gas taxes in the nation, the newspaper reports. The state levies an excise tax of just 16 cents per gallon and other taxes and fees of only 0.8 cents.

But the state isn't immune to gas price hikes. The state saw it's highest gas price on Sept. 15, 2008, when a gallon of regular unleaded reached $4.12 a gallon, according to AAA.