Mississippi gas prices drop ahead of Fourth of July weekend

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Gas prices in Mississippi have fallen ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, with AAA reporting the average price for regular unleaded at $3.46 a gallon, down eight cents from last week.

Prices along the coast are even lower.

AAA spokesman Don Redman said the drop is tied to a decline in crude oil prices.

“We’ve definitely seen a decrease statewide,” Redman said.

Redman said lower crude oil prices can mean lower gas prices, since crude oil is used to make gasoline.

“When we were at the height of this war, we touched over $115 a barrel, but we’re currently looking at $70 a barrel and that absolutely has had an impact,” Redman said.

AAA said prices had been higher in recent weeks because of uncertainty in the global oil market, including the conflict in Iran.

Gulfport-area driver David Depreo said the lower prices are a welcome change from paying more than $3.50 a gallon.

“It sure is nice to see this,” Depreo said.

Depreo said the higher prices had taken a financial toll on his family.

“It’s put pressure on everybody. I’m retired, but I have younger children with kids and it’s a struggle for them,” Depreo said.

He said the savings will add up at the pump.

“I’m gonna probably save $10–$15. I fill up every half a tank and keep a full tank,” Depreo said.

Redman said drivers are not out of the woods yet.

“I think we’re always going to be in a state of flexibility in terms of prices and seeing that light at the end of the tunnel really will come when a permanent treaty is signed with Iran,” Redman said.

AAA expects more than 60 million Americans to hit the road this holiday weekend.

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