Gas prices now under $4 a gallon on average in Columbia SC. Here’s where it’s cheapest
Columbia average gas prices dropped below $4 a gallon for the first time in months Friday morning.
According to AAA South Carolina, regular gasoline cost $3.97 a gallon on average Friday morning, down from $4 on Thursday and $4.57 a month ago. The drop is part of a month-long trend in lower gas prices across the U.S. that could help ease inflation, some analysts say.
Skyrocketing gas prices have been a significant driver behind high inflation in this year — U.S. consumer prices were up 9.1% in June year over year, a 40-year high. Rising fuel prices mean higher costs to transport goods.
However, over the last month, demand for fuel has tumbled while inventory has risen, easing gasoline costs. If the trend continues, that could help ease inflation.
A gallon of regular gasoline cost $4.08 on average in South Carolina Friday, down from $4.60 a month ago. Nationwide, the average gas price was $4.57 a gallon.
“But we’re not completely out of the woods yet – we could also see a sharp reversal in the decline,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “There remains the risk of a spike in prices that could send us to new record levels in August, should any disruptions occur. It could be a wild ride, but for now, the plummet at the pump shall continue.”
Here’s where to find the cheapest gas in the Columbia area, according to GasBuddy.
- Sam’s Club at 350 Harbison Blvd: $3.65
- Sam’s Club at 5426 Forest Drive: $3.69
- Murphy USA at 7530 Garners Ferry Road: $3.79
- Murphy Express at 3000 Two Notch Road: $3.80
- Murphy Express at 201 Bush River Road: $3.81
- Murphy Express at 7302 Broad River Road: $3.81
- Shell at 9001 Garners Ferry Road: $3.81
- Murphy USA at 1330 Bush River Road: $3.82
This story was originally published July 15, 2022 at 9:49 AM.
