Staff Reports
The national average price for a gallon of regular gas saw a minor dip recently, presenting a glimmer of hope for American commuters trying to stretch their dollar at the pump. As per AAA, the price settled at $3.175 on Monday, a drop that was welcomed after a week of climbing prices that left many motorists feeling like they were pouring liquid gold into their tanks. Of course, this latest drop isn’t enough to throw a gas price celebration, especially when the costs are still higher than they were back in the good ol’ days of the Trump administration.
It’s amusing to note that despite the recent price cut, gas still costs more than it did just a month ago, when it averaged $3.214. The current price is the lowest it has been since January 2024—remember when average gas was a paltry $3.075? The fluctuations in gas prices throughout the year can only be compared to a rollercoaster at a state fair, leaving folks dizzy and wondering how they ended up with a lighter wallet.
Gas prices: Less expensive than a week ago #news https://t.co/mrrUPtmcLN via @dcexaminer
— Filtered News (@filterednews) October 21, 2024
The topic of gas prices is heating up just in time for the next presidential election cycle. With President Biden packing his bags and not seeking reelection, eyes are now on his successor, Vice President Kamala Harris. She’ll have to take the reins and explain how she intends to tackle the pain at the pump and high energy costs. Given that gas prices remain above the levels seen during Trump’s presidency, it’s fair to say that voters could be a tad irritable when they see their refueling bills.
A closer look at the gas situation reveals that certain regions are faring better than others, but let’s not kid ourselves; none of them are exactly a bargain. In Washington, D.C., the average price dropped ever so slightly to $3.309. Hardly impressive. This marked a tepid two-cent decrease from the previous day, which still leaves the district’s drivers recalling the days when gas prices were a little friendlier to their finances.
Meanwhile, Maryland witnessed a decrease, with prices falling to $3.155. That’s great, but it’s still notably more expensive than the $3.073 a month ago, preventing anyone from breaking out the confetti. Delaware did manage to smile slightly more, with prices dropping to $3.073, but once again, the joy is tempered by the fact that it’s over a buck more than the same time last year. As for Virginia, the ongoing saga includes rates at $3.081—better than the week prior, but still one that serves as a painful reminder of how far gas prices have strayed from their former glory.
The gas price game is essentially a ticket to misery for countless Americans, and as voters gear up for the upcoming presidential election, they’ll be sure to remember who’s been behind the wheel for the rising costs. It would be wise for politicians to keep their eyes on this issue, lest they find themselves eating at the very same table of rising costs they’ve created. It’s a new political landscape, and price tags at the pump are likely to be a key player in the drama to unfold.
