Gas Prices Down Nationally, But Slow to Decline After 4th of July Spike

Reports showing that gas prices are "relatively cheap" have been hard to swallow, especially as they recently climbed from about $3.50 per gallon to $3.79 per gallon overnight leading into the 4th of July weekend.

As of Monday morning, the national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was $3.63, which is up slightly over yesterday's average of $3.627, but is noticeably less than the average one month ago, $3.714. However, prices at Muskego stations and adjacent communities are still hovering around $3.75.  

The lowest price was spotted at the Jetz Station at Moorland and Janesville Road, which was $3.73 per gallon. The least expensive in the county will take drivers to the New Berlin/Brookfield border, as the Speedway at Greenfield Avenue and Sunny Slope Road is posting $3.64 per gallon.

Experts say Gas prices tend to trend up in the summer, as demand is usually higher. With many people vacationing during the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays, gas station owners can generally get away with charging more per gallon. However the last spike was due to oil futures posting at higher prices on the stock market, they say.

With last year's prices about a dollar less than this year's for the same time period, it might be somewhat consoling to know that drivers in states such as California, Michigan, New York and Hawaii can expect to pay between $4.071 and $3.748 per gallon. 

In order to find the cheapest gas near you, check out the AOL Autos Gas Prices page. Average prices may be down, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't shop around for the best deal.