South Carolina gas prices fall as seasonal shifts drive relief at the pump: GasBuddy

The average price of gas in South Carolina rose in the past week, as the Lowcountry prepared for potential effects caused by now tropical storm Imelda. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)

(WCIV) — Average gas prices have fallen over 15 cents per gallon over the last week in South Carolina as seasonal shifts fuel some relief at the pump nationwide, according to the latest GasBuddy survey.

GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, Patrick De Haan, said that falling prices were to be expected. Prices have dropped in the month leading up to an election every year since 2006, except, 2010, De Haan noted, and as demand fades due to cooler weather, refiners typically wrap up maintainance and ramp up output.

“That said, the election’s outcome may send a message to Washington to sharpen its focus on affordability, and I’d expect even more attention on bringing prices down,” he said. “But for now, it’s the seasonal shift, not politics, driving the relief at the pump.”

As of Monday morning, the average price statewide is $3.45 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. That is almost 55 cents lower than one month ago, but still over 77 cents higher than one year ago.