South Carolina gas prices stable at $2.71, offering relief before Thanksgiving travel

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Gas prices in South Carolina held steady over the past week, averaging $2.71 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s latest survey of more than 3,000 stations statewide.

The average is down nearly a penny from a month ago and sits 3 cents lower than at this time last year. Diesel prices nationwide rose slightly, up 0.8 cents to $3.78 per gallon.

GasBuddy reported that the lowest price in the state Sunday was $2.36 per gallon, while the most expensive reached $3.49: a spread of $1.13.

Nationally, the average price of gasoline was unchanged from last week at $3.03 per gallon. The national average is 2 cents lower than a month ago but 2.5 cents higher than a year earlier.

READ MORE | “South Carolina gas prices rise 3.1 cents, but experts predict holiday stability.”

In neighboring cities, prices varied: Spartanburg rose to $2.73 per gallon, up 2.3 cents; Augusta climbed to $2.77, up more than 9 cents; and Columbia held steady at $2.71.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said prices have stabilized heading into Thanksgiving travel but could fall further as refinery maintenance winds down.

“With refinery maintenance wrapping up, we’re likely to see more relief soon, particularly in the Great Lakes and West Coast regions,” De Haan said in a statement. He noted that while some Northwestern states may still be affected by a pipeline shutdown, lower oil prices could bring broader declines heading into the holidays.

Historical data show South Carolina drivers are paying far less than they did in 2022, when the average on Nov. 24 was $3.11 per gallon. The cheapest level recorded in the past decade for that date was $1.83 in 2015.