BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Drivers in Berkeley County looking to stretch their fuel dollars may want to rethink when they stop at the pump.
According to new analysis from fuel-tracking company GasBuddy, Sunday is the most consistently affordable day of the week to buy gasoline across most states in the U.S., while prices tend to climb during the middle of the week.
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The report examined daily statewide gas prices over the past year and found a surprisingly reliable weekly pattern: prices often start lower over the weekend, then gradually rise Monday through Friday before easing again.
For motorists in places like Moncks Corner, Goose Creek and Summerville — where many residents commute daily across the Lowcountry — simply changing the day they fill up could save money over time.
GasBuddy says buying gas on the cheapest day rather than the most expensive one can save drivers roughly 4 to 9 cents per gallon.
“Gas prices don’t just move based on global oil markets — they also follow a weekly rhythm,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “For most drivers, Sunday is the safest bet for finding lower prices, while filling up mid-week can mean paying more.”
Why prices change during the week
Fuel prices fluctuate based on several factors, including crude oil costs, regional supply, seasonal demand and local competition among stations.
But GasBuddy’s analysis shows that even with those influences, weekly timing still matters.
In some states, including Florida and Texas, gasoline prices follow a more dramatic pattern known as “price cycling.” In those markets, prices often jump sharply on a certain day before gradually dropping again over several days.
While South Carolina doesn’t typically experience the same dramatic swings, drivers may still notice gradual price increases throughout the week.
Small changes can add up
For Berkeley County drivers who frequently travel U.S. Highway 52, Interstate 26 or U.S. Highway 17A, even small savings per gallon can add up over the course of a year.
GasBuddy says motorists can increase savings even further by comparing prices at nearby stations using its mobile app, which typically helps drivers save an additional 5 to 10 cents per gallon by finding the cheapest options nearby.
Tips for saving on gas
GasBuddy recommends several strategies for drivers hoping to cut their fuel costs:
- Fill up on Sunday when prices are typically lowest
- Avoid buying gas Wednesday through Friday, when prices tend to peak
- Compare prices at nearby stations before filling up
- Take advantage of fuel reward programs or gas apps
Even though global oil markets ultimately drive long-term fuel prices, GasBuddy says timing and comparison shopping remain two of the easiest ways for drivers to save money at the pump.
A full state-by-state breakdown of the best and worst days to buy gas is available on GasBuddy’s website.
