While gasoline prices have climbed 35.9 cents a gallon since Christmas, they are still 1.3 cents a gallon less on average in South Carolina than they were last Easter.
Typically a family stay-at-home holiday, Easter gas prices always serve as precursor to higher prices due to the May 1 national deadline for refineries to start producing less-polluting summer-blend fuel. This transition pressures prices upward because supply becomes crimped.
South Carolina prices have been climbing since hitting a low of $3.07 on February 10. Myrtle Beach is paying the highest average price at $3.44 a gallon and Spartanburg is the lowest at $3.375 a gallon.
Statewide the average is $3.427 a gallon compared to $3.44 last year at Easter.
Prices are expected to continue to inch upwards over the next few weeks but should remain slightly lower this year overall. Currently, South Carolina’s average gas price is the 4th lowest in the nation and Virginia is the 7th lowest while neighboring states North Carolina is the 25th highest and Georgia the 24th highest.
“Gasoline prices will continue to be a major factor this summer for travelers and commuters,” said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “Unrest in the Middle East and overseas could adversely affect prices but as we continue to develop our own resources, the potential international impact lessens.”
The Columbia area has the second highest-priced gasoline in South Carolina at $3.424; Greenville is the second cheapest at $3.413.
According to AAA Travel – the largest leisure travel agency in the Carolinas – popular spring destinations include North and South Carolina beaches (Outer Banks, Charleston area, Myrtle Beach), Orlando, European guided vacations and Caribbean cruises.
Motorists looking for ways to conserve gasoline while traveling should keep the following tips in mind.
- Monitor driving behavior, follow the speed limit and avoid accelerating or decelerating quickly. For every five miles per hour over 65 mph, gasoline efficiency decreases 10%.
- Make sure tires are properly inflated to maximize fuel economy. See your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.
- Keep vehicles properly maintained, including scheduled oil changes and air filter replacements.
- Avoid excess weight in your vehicle. When vacationing, try to avoid strapping luggage on the roof where it causes drag and reduces fuel economy.
- Whenever possible, consolidate trips.
To estimate fuel costs, travelers can go to www.fuelcostcalculator.com to input starting city, destination, and the make and model of their car.
You’ll find some of the cheapest gas in Moncks Corner:
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