Year-end gas prices expected to be highest since 2014

Charlotte, N.C. (WPDE) — Motorists won’t find significant holiday savings at the gas pump.

National prices are averaging at $2.51 and AAA expects gas prices to decline between now and the end of the year, but motorists will still pay the highest November and December gas prices since 2014, according to a news release.

As of Nov. 29, North Carolina’s state average is currently $2.37, 29 cents higher than this time last year, and South Carolina’s state average is currently $2.24, 30 cents higher than this time last year.

“Although we are paying more at the pump than we have in recent years during this time, the good news is that we expect prices to decline through the end of 2017,” said AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety President Tiffany Wright in the release.

Gas prices have strayed from typical trends this past year, according to AAA.

Historically, year-end gas prices tend to be relatively cheap due to a drop-off in fall gasoline demand around Labor Day and the move to cheaper to produce winter-blend gasoline in mid-September. But, this year the typical factors that drive gas prices down in winter were outweighed by the impact of two major hurricanes, steady consumer demand and continued growth in gasoline exports, according to AAA.

2017’s Tumultuous Trends:

Highs and Lows: Summer driving season traditionally brings the highest gas prices of the year and year-end brings the lowest, but not this year:

• 2017 NC High: $2.64 on September 10
• 2017 NC Low: $2.07 on July 4
• 2017 SC High: $2.56 on September 10
• 2017 SC Low: $1.89 on July 3