On the road for Thanksgiving? See where gas prices are highest and lowest across NC
If you’re hitting the road for Thanksgiving, you’re probably going to spend a lot of money at the gas pump.
The average price of regular gas in North Carolina is $3.22 per gallon as of Nov. 16, with some counties experiencing averages higher than $3.30, according to AAA.
That’s up more than $1 from this time last year, when the average price of gas per gallon in the state was just $1.97.
Nationally, AAA is reporting the average price of regular gas is $3.41 per gallon, as of Nov. 16.
If you want to plan ahead for your Thanksgiving road trip, here’s a look at how much gas could cost you by county, as well as an explanation for why prices are up this year.
Statewide trends
Statewide, the average prices of gas as of Nov. 16 are:
▪ $3.22 for regular gas
▪ $3.57 for mid-grade gas
▪ $3.92 for premium gas
▪ $3.52 for diesel
Gas prices by NC county
▪ Gas is currently most expensive in Hyde County, where the average price for regular gas is $3.42.
▪ Gas is currently least expensive in Beaufort County, where the average price for regular gas is $3.04.
In the Triangle, gas is less expensive in Wake County than in Orange and Durham counties, though all three counties have average prices higher than the state average.
▪ The average price of regular gas in Wake County is $3.26.
▪ The average price in Durham and Orange counties is $3.29.
Prices around Charlotte are trending lower than the state average.
▪ In Mecklenburg County, the average price for regular gas is $3.19.
▪ In Gaston County, the average price is $3.15.
You can use the following interactive map to see the average price of regular gas in each North Carolina county:
Why are gas prices up?
AAA says the high gas prices we’re currently experiencing are due to:
▪ Higher demand for gas.
▪ A decline in gas and oil stocks, or the amount of gas and oil available.
▪ Elevated prices for crude oil.
Gasoline is made from crude oil and other petroleum liquids.
When the coronavirus pandemic reached the U.S. last year, there was a “sudden drop” in the demand for petroleum, which drove crude oil prices down. The declining prices led crude oil operators to reduce the oil output in major oil-producing regions.
Globally, the production of oil is still below pre-pandemic levels, but the demand for gas and oil is now increasing. The increased demand coupled with the lack of adequate supply drives up prices for both crude oil and gasoline.
The cost of oil accounts for more than half of the pump price, which means consumers will be paying more at the pump as long as crude oil prices remain high, AAA says.
How long will prices be this high?
It’s hard to tell when gas prices will take a significant dip, but there is good news: AAA reported Monday that the national average price of gas has fallen on nine different days since Oct. 30, after having risen steadily each of the 31 days before that.
In other words, prices are going down — but it’s a slow decrease, and AAA says prices will likely fluctuate for awhile before staying low.
“A slight dip in gas demand, possibly due to seasonal driving habit changes, is contributing to some price relief at the pump,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said. “Unfortunately, the ongoing tight supply of crude oil will likely keep gas prices fluctuating, instead of dropping, for some time.”
Record gas prices
Gas prices might seem high right now, especially since they were more than $1 cheaper at this time last year.
But they’re not nearly as high as they were 13 years ago, during the Great Recession.
On Sept. 15, 2008, the average price of regular gas in the state was $4.09 — a record that still stands today.
Here are other gas price facts from AAA.
▪ The record in the Charlotte area was set the same day, when local regular gas prices were an average of $4.18.
▪ In Raleigh, the record was set a day later, on Sept. 16, 2008, when local regular gas prices were an average of $4.06.
The state record for the average price of diesel was set on July 17, 2008. The average price that day was $4.80.
▪ The record in Raleigh was set a day later, on July 18, 2008. Local diesel prices that day were also $4.80.
▪ The record in the Charlotte area was also set on July 18, 2008. Local diesel prices that day were an average of $4.84.
More gas resources
If you want to check gas prices in real-time as you travel for Thanksgiving or any other time, you can find current gas prices along your route with the free AAA Mobile app.
▪ The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
▪ The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book hotels and access AAA roadside assistance.
Learn more about the AAA Mobile app at AAA.com/mobile.
This story was originally published November 17, 2021 at 11:30 AM.
