Gas Prices Plummet Below $3 In Parts Of PA

PENNSYLVANIA — Gas prices are dropping steadily across Pennsylvania and around the region as the holidays approach, giving some motorists a break after months of near record-level prices. Gas prices were one of the first and most significant economic impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and geopolitical instability in Europe, and have combined with other effects of inflation to keep the bank accounts of many Americans on the edge.

The average price of a gallon of gas in Pennsylvania now sits at $3.87, according to AAA. That's a drop of 9 cents in the past seven days. That includes the greater Philadelphia region, which has seen a 12 cent drop the past week to $3.79 a gallon.

“For the first time in 670 days, the national average price of gasoline has fallen below its year-ago level, dropping for the fourth straight week to its lowest level since January,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, wrote Monday.

Much of that decrease has occurred recently, as gas stood at $4.01 a month ago and has hovered around the $4 mark since September.

Both Philly and the state at large are still above the national average of $3.40, which has similarly fallen 14 cents in the past week.

DeHaan thinks it's possible the national average could fall under $3 by Christmas, though it may not last. The price cap on Russian oil will soon kick in, and retaliation is possible.

For now, however, at least another week of low prices is expected. In some parts of Pennsylvania, residents can find even cheaper prices. The Sunoco in Baldwin is down to $2.96, while the Raceway on Easton Avenue in Bethlehem is only $3.07. Here are some of the cheapest places to fill up, according to GasBuddy.

1. Sunoco, 2929 Churchview Ave, Baldwin: $2.96
2. American Oil, 1913 US-422, Worthington: $2.97
3. Raceway, 2926 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem: $3.07
4. Love's, 1011 New Castle Bouleard, Slippery Rock: $3.08
5. Racetrack, 2900 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem: $3.09
6. Pilot, 2010 New Castle Road, Portersville: $3.18
7. Citgo, 1651 Perry Highway, Portersville: $3.18
8. J&J Bustleton, 7951 Bustleton, Philadelphia: $3.21
9. Sunoco, 7937 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia: $3.23
10. Gulf, 2038 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem: $3.27