The pandemic still directly affects the gas prices, uncertainty over the future probably the major reason for high prices

The uncertainty over the future as a result of the pandemic and potentially news variants and Covid-19 waves directly affect the gas prices globally and in United States.

Since the start of the pandemic when the prices had fallen as a result of the lowered demand in the spring months last year, gas prices are seeing constant increase for months now and Americans are currently paying nearly $1 more per gallon compared to this period last year.

According to the latest weekly report by GasBuddy, South Carolinians are among those paying $1 more per gallon compared to same period last year despite the fact that prices slightly dropped last week.

The reports indicates that the average gas price in South Carolina dropped for 1.3 cents last week now sitting at $2.88 per gallon on average across the state.

According to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 3,028 stations in South Carolina, gas prices in South Carolina are 5.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 95.8 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

The price difference between the least and most expensive gas is 57 cent per gallon. GasBuddy indicates that the least expensive gas is sold at $2.64 per gallon, while the most expensive price was recorded to be $3.21 per gallon in Palmetto State.

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 0.7 cents per gallon in the last week, and GasBuddy says it is averaging $3.17 per gallon Monday. The national average is up 3.8 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.00 per gallon higher than a year ago.

“Average gas prices saw little change from a week ago, declining slightly. But overall, prices remained near 2021′s peak price set in early August due to Covid-19 supply and demand imbalances,” GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick De Haan said.

“Relief in average gas prices has really only shown up west of the Rockies thus far, and may continue to be delayed by an active hurricane season which has prevented gas prices from their normal seasonal decline. While I am optimistic that we eventually will see a decline in price, the drop is not likely to be as noticeable as I had anticipated due to the above average hurricane season and as demand remains seasonally strong.”