Gas Prices Continue Downward Trend As Fall Approaches

If you visited a gas station over the past weekend you probably noticed another drop in gas prices. Average retail gasoline prices in Yakima have fallen 4.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.76/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 91 gas outlets in Yakima. This compares with the national average that has fallen 6.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.33/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.  Including the change in gas prices in Yakima during the past week, prices yesterday were 102.0 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 27.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 32.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 106.2 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago. "With the start of fall, gasoline prices have continued a fall of their own," said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. "Crude oil prices fell some $2 per barrel last week, and there continues to be downward pressure on oil prices, which in turn will continue to weigh on the nation's average gasoline price. The long mentioned switch back to simpler-to-produce winter gasoline will take effect Thursday, as EPA discontinues seasonal requirements across areas of the U.S. effective September 16. Countrywide, 49 of 50 states saw gas prices decline last week, with Ohio the only state to see a slight rise. The Great Lakes led decliners, while every state saw at least a change of 2.5 cents a gallon. In the week ahead, widespread gasoline price declines will continue, especially in light of the switch over to cheaper winter fuel in many areas."