Gas Prices Drop Just Before Thanksgiving Driving

It's the Thanksgiving week and if you are doing some driving you'll be able to enjoy cheaper gas prices to fill up the tank before you leave. Average retail gasoline prices in Yakima have fallen 4.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.62/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 91 gas outlets in Yakima. This compares with the national average that has fallen 1.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.13/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Yakima during the past week, prices yesterday were 23.0 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 7.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 8.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 5.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on November 21 in Yakima have ranged widely over the last five years:

$2.39/g in 2015, $3.05/g in 2014, $3.24/g in 2013, $3.53/g in 2012 and $3.74/g in 2011.

Areas nearby Yakima and their current gas price climate:

Tacoma- $2.60/g, down 5.8 cents per gallon from last week's $2.66/g.

Seattle- $2.67/g, down 4.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.71/g.

Washington- $2.62/g, down 4.4 cents per gallon from last week's $2.66/g.

"As motorists pack their bags and prepare to head out for Thanksgiving, gas prices are falling across much of the country," said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. "With a record amount of travelers, motorists will be facing congestion not only on highways but gas stations. But at least low gas prices have lingered for much of this year. Keep an eye on word from OPEC over the holiday weekend- there could be some surprises at a major meeting to decide the fate of an oil production cut."