SC Gas Prices Up but Still Among Nations Lowest

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) _ As South Carolinians take to the road for Easter and spring break vacations, they’re paying about 15 cents more for a gallon of gas than last year. But the state’s average price _ now about $3.73 _ is still among the lowest in the nation. And rising gas prices elsewhere are also good news for the state’s $15 billion tourism industry. Coastal Carolina University tourism researcher Taylor Damonte says that in the past, when gas prices have increased, occupancy in Myrtle Beach increased as well. He says researchers aren’t sure the higher prices are a direct cause, but when gas prices rise, people tend to vacation at regional destinations like Myrtle Beach instead of flying to other places. Damonte is expecting Myrtle Beach occupancy to approach 90 percent this weekend.