RUH-ROH, ECONOMY …
Low fuel costs have been a bright spot for consumers struggling to navigate America’s disappointing economy. Sure, they haven’t spawned the spending renaissance we were promised, but you know … Obamacare happened.
Anyway, imagine how bad things would be for American consumers if gas prices started going back up?
Stop imagining … it’s happening.
According to the AAA daily fuel gauge report, the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the United States is currently $2.11. That’s up a hefty forty cents (or 23.3 percent) from a low of $1.71 back in February – which makes this the biggest surge in gas prices since July 2009.
Ouch … and we can expect additional increases during the peak summer travel months (assuming anybody can afford a vacation this year).
In South Carolina – where gas prices are almost always the nation’s lowest – the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded is currently $1.89. That’s up 36 cents (or 23.5 percent) from a low of $1.53 in February – but the Palmetto State did tie with Mississippi for the lowest prices nationally.
(Small consolation to our dirt poor citizens).
What are gas prices like in your area? How high do you think they will rise in the coming months?
Post your thoughts in our comment section below …