The price of gasoline in Virginia has fallen to an enviable position, tied with Alabama as the third most affordable state in the nation in which to buy gas. The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Virginia and Alabama was at $3.31 a gallon Friday, a full 23 cents less than the current national average ($3.54 a gallon).
Virginia has historically enjoyed a spot in the 10-15 most affordable states when it comes to filling the tank. In June, however, AAA predicted that Virginia could join the ranks of the five most affordable states to fill up as a result of the new gas tax structure that took effect on July 1st.
“Virginia is certainly no stranger to “lower” gas prices, especially when compared to the national average. Today, however, Virginia is outshining 46 other states nationwide leaving only two states with lower prices than the Commonwealth,” said Martha Mitchell Meade, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.
As Virginians keep a few extra dollars in their wallets and pocketbooks, the same cannot be said about its neighbors in the District of Columbia (D.C.) and Maryland. Gas prices in D.C. currently surpasses the $3.54 a gallon national average by 13 cents ($3.67 a gallon), placing D.C. in the top 13 highest areas in the country to buy gasoline. Maryland, although ranked lower than the national average ($3.48 a gallon), could find itself in the painful top ten highest for motorists to pump gas as a result of the progressive gas tax structure that increases the state’s gas to almost 42.5 cents per gallon by 2016.
“D.C. commuters traveling into Virginia may find themselves filling up before heading back home to higher gas prices. Gas prices in the Commonwealth are 36 cents less per gallon than the District of Columbia, saving commuters roughly $6 at the pump, a savings that translates into a significant savings of over $300 a year with a weekly fill-up,” said Meade.
While gas prices appear to be continuing downward, speculations still exists for a future of higher gas prices across the country in part due to the price of crude oil, potential disruptions to oil refineries and the possible threat of a late hurricane in 2013.
Until then, motorists in Virginia can breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy the lower gas prices knowing they are getting one of the best deals in the nation.