U.S. motorists notice fuel savings during holiday period
U.S. motorists can expect the lowest gasoline prices of the year this month, according to data from the AAA Motor Club. Nationwide, the average price for unleaded gasoline fell below $3 on December 2 and reached a low of about $2.85 a gallon on Monday, with a slight uptick to around $2.86 the following day.
State‑level variation is still significant. Hawaii recorded the highest average at roughly $4.44 a gallon, followed by California and Washington at $4.30 and $3.92, while Oklahoma posted the lowest average near $2.30, with Arkansas and Iowa close behind at about $2.42.
These figures reflect a broader decline in fuel costs; December’s average is more than 18 cents lower than the same period last year and 21 cents below the previous month. AAA notes that the current December average is the cheapest since the pandemic‑era 2020 season.
The price drop coincides with resilient crude oil supplies, with West Texas Intermediate remaining under $60 a barrel for most of December. The trend offers relief amid ongoing inflation pressures on food, housing, and other essential goods.