Staff Reports
Gas prices have graciously taken a small step back, kicking off August at a slightly lower rate than when July bowed out. The average cost for a gallon of regular gas across the nation now hovers around $3.483, according to AAA. This marks a tiny dip from Wednesday’s price at the end of July, not to mention from the same date a month ago, when the average was $3.491. While this decrease sounds promising, it raises more questions than it answers, especially as the nation gears up for the 2024 presidential election.
As the political season heats up, price at the pump could become a hot button issue. With President Biden sitting this election out, the current Vice President Kamala Harris is eyeing the Democratic nomination, and she will have to roll out a strategy for tackling the nagging problem of high gas prices. Voters will want to know how she plans to alleviate the burden of soaring energy costs on the wallets of everyday Americans. It’s a fair bet that voters remember all too well how prices hovered far below the current levels during Trump’s presidency, which is bound to be a looming shadow as the race unfolds.
Bullshit! My savings were great under Trump. Now? I’m using it to pay for historic high prices under Biden Harris! YES let’s go back to where we could buy eggs for $3, let’s go back to low gas prices! Let’s go back to where people can buy a home. https://t.co/yQ18sxAQCV
— Lori Mills (@LoriMills4CA42) July 30, 2024
Despite recent price fluctuations, it seems like August could be the start of something potentially more palatable for consumers—though it’s hard to ignore that gas prices still carry a hefty weight compared to the golden days under the previous administration. With the gas crisis looming over people’s budgets, it seems the current leadership has their work cut out for them if they hope to avoid a voter backlash as poll days approach.
Speaking of gas prices, let’s take a gander at how states are faring. Over in Washington, D.C., average prices for a gallon of regular gas kicked off August at around $3.701, a slight increase from the end of July’s price but still a drop from last week’s smack of $3.71. District drivers may find comfort in this decrease compared to more substantial prior spikes, but with any increase they can still be reminded that they are paying nearly double the rates from just a few years back.
Jumping over to neighboring states, Virginia reported an average gas price of $3.357 at the beginning of August, a welcome dip from Thursday’s previous average of $3.369. Residents, unfortunately, aren’t completely free from the brutal reality of rising costs, as prices have climbed since a month ago, when they were enjoying a more benevolent $3.328 per gallon. Maryland’s also in on the act with an average of $3.456 upon the start of August, resting comfortably beneath the $3.464 mark from the previous month.
Meanwhile, in the vibrant state of Mississippi, an oasis for frugal drivers, gas prices average a mere $2.968. This makes Mississippi the envy of the nation, standing tall as the only state where regular gas prices don’t breach the $3 mark. Meanwhile, Hawaii remains the poster child for high gas prices, averaging a jaw-dropping $4.669 per gallon. This makes it the reigning champ of costly fuel, even edging out California, now slightly behind with an average of $4.646. As states battle it out for the best and worst prices, it’s clear that voters will be monitoring the state of gas prices like hawks all the way into the 2024 election season.
