Staff Reports
Gas prices have taken a little dip recently, a glimmer of hope for Americans who have been feeling the pinch at the pump since the Biden administration took the wheel. Over the weekend, the national average for a gallon of regular gas settled at $3.474, which is a tad below Saturday’s price of $3.478. It might not exactly qualify as a reason to pop champagne, but any drop is a welcome relief from the gas gouging that’s characterized the last couple of years.
The price cuts are slightly more impressive when viewed in the rearview mirror. Just a week ago, drivers were forking over $3.506 on average per gallon, and a month back, the figure was even higher at $3.515. For that keeping score, that’s still a far cry from the prices Americans enjoyed under former President Donald Trump when filling up didn’t feel like a kick in the wallet. Those looking for relief before the 2024 presidential election have to be wondering whether Vice President Kamala Harris, who seems to be prepping for a run, has a plan that doesn’t involve “how to pay more at the pump.”
If you are ready for interest rates and gas prices to get back to this respond:#Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/EFBHfsGeHf
— Michelle Maxwell (@MichelleMaxwell) July 28, 2024
As the gas price saga unfolds, the issue is crucial for anyone with plans to cast a ballot in the next election cycle. While Biden’s decision not to seek reelection might offer a smidgen of hope for his party, Kamala is going to have to address the elephant in the room: how her administration plans to handle not only gas prices but also energy costs. While Americans wait for some actual answers, they might take comfort in the slight declines that have appeared in the recent weeks.
Prices do vary quite a bit from state to state, with Washington, D.C., averaging a hefty $3.688 per gallon on Sunday—though that’s down from Saturday’s $3.693 and lower than last week’s $3.712. Somewhere in the nation’s capital, politicians must be pleased with the idea of their constituents paying just a bit less — at least until they fill up and realize what their financial decisions mean at the national level.
Meanwhile, Virginia is living life at $3.32 per gallon, Maryland is holding steady at around $3.399, and Delaware boasts a competitive $3.293. And over in Mississippi, which seems to be on a whole different wavelength, the average sits at a neat $2.953—just shy of the magical $3 mark. While the Aloha State is busy breaking records for the priciest gas at $4.667 per gallon, one can’t help but wonder if those looking to escape to Hawaii know what they’re in for.
So, while last year’s prices may haunt the pocketbook, for now, a slight downward trend provides a sliver of good news. With an election looming and gas prices still in the spotlight, one can only hope that America’s leaders finally get the message that keeping gas and energy affordable isn’t just good politics; it’s a necessity for the everyday American.
