South Carolina drivers know gas prices have been high through most of the year. In Spring, the state saw the average price for a gallon of regular gas top $4. Even though the prices have been falling since that high point, it is by no means a cheap year to travel for July 4.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in South Carolina sits at $3.47 as of Tuesday. Not bad compared to earlier this year, but a look at past Independence Day numbers tells a different story.
This time last year, the average price for gas sat at $2.86 a gallon.
AAA expects a high number of drivers this year, despite strains at the pump. The association projects 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this week.
“For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend. While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we’re still expecting record volumes this year.”
Drivers can find the cheapest gas in the state in the westernmost part of the Upstate. Counties like Oconee, Spartanburg, and Abbeville have the lowest prices. Meanwhile, those driving through the western lowcountry will see higher prices.
