Gas prices have dropped again both locally as well as across western Pennsylvania as a whole this week.
According to AAA’s weekly gas price report, the average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded, self-serve gas in Butler, as of Monday, declined by six cents over the past week to reach $3.78 per gallon.
The average gas price across western Pennsylvania as a whole dropped by nine cents during that same time to arrive at $3.71. The most affordable average price for gas in the area can be found in Brookville at $3.36, while the most expensive is $3.83 in Beaver.
The average national gas price decreased by four cents over the past week to reach $3.10 which is 45 cents lower than a month ago and 18 cents less per gallon than one year ago.
Demand for gas increased last week while the cost of oil continues to fluctuate.
The weeks of relief at the pump may soon come to a stop as the calendar flips to the New Year.
Per state law, the Pennsylvania gas tax is set to rise next year, which means drivers will have to pay more for a gallon of gas.
The tax is assessed at a wholesale level, but industry experts believe that price ultimately will still be passed on to the consumer.
For a gallon of regular unleaded, the price will rise 3.5 cents; diesel will go up by 4.4 cents.
Pennsylvania has the third highest gas in the country.
