Gas prices are down a lot since last summer. Will they stay down?

GARDNER ― It's been a year since motorists across the country and in Massachusetts saw record high gas prices, but now an AAA spokesperson predicts stable gas prices throughout the summer, barring a major hurricane.

Last summer gas prices increased rapidly due to the ripple effects of the pandemic on the global economy, followed by the hurricane season, which created an even larger demand for oil. AAA predicts that gas prices will increase only if a major hurricane hits the southern region of the United States.

The average gas price across Massachusetts is currently $3.43 per gallon, AAA spokesperson Mark Schieldrop said. Schieldrop said prices across the country should be significantly lower than last year, when gas averaged $4.73 per gallon.

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Looking back to 2022 prices

In June 2022 prices increased to $5.04 in Massachusetts, and Schieldrop said that's not the case this summer.

"Last year compared to this year is quite a different story and gas prices are going be much lower," he said. "In fact, we can see prices go down another few cents by the time we get to Memorial Day."

Right now, there is a soft demand for gas and there is plenty of inventory supply, which keeps the prices low Schieldrop said. Consumers don't need to worry about prices increasing unless a major hurricane hits the United States, which will cause prices to increase.

"We've been in a trend of prices ticking down a couple cents each week over the past few weeks," Schieldrop said. "A lot of that is driven by a relatively soft demand compared to what we would normally expect for the summer driving season."

How to save money at the pump

Schieldrop advises local motorists to redeploy the same strategies that consumers used last year to find the lowest gas prices in their area. He said the best recommendation he can give to motorists is to be aware of their own driving behavior, which can make the biggest difference in gas mileage.

"You can drastically improve your fuel economy and get way more miles per gallon by just driving a little bit more moderately and not speeding as much," he said. "By driving conservatively, depending on your vehicle, you could increase your fuel economy anywhere from 10% to 32%."

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Schieldrop said using apps like AAA Auto Club can help motorists find the cheapest gas prices in the area. In addition to the apps, motorists should sign up for loyalty programs and credit card rebates that can save customers a few cents per gallon. 

"Shop around, the gas station closest to the exit ramp or in the service plaza on the freeway usually charge the highest prices," he said. "The best advice I can give is to drive a few miles off that exit ramp and you'll find much lower prices, little ways down the road."