Gas prices down, may not surge this summer

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Gas prices continue to drop across the Carolinas. In fact, for the first time this year the average price for a gallon of gas is cheaper than one year ago.

The average price today in the state is $2.60 compared to $2.61 at this time last year. The average price here in Wilmington is $2.68. That’s down 12 cents from last month.

Lower gas prices are welcome news to drivers.

“Well we don’t plan to travel a lot, but it would really be nice, the local mileage that we put on our vehicle, if it would go lower,” Jennie Jones said.

Experts attribute the recent drop in gas prices to the financial crisis in Europe and a strengthening dollar. AAA predicts if the situation stays the same, gas prices will not top three dollars across the Carolinas this summer.