Fuel prices decreasing in Carolinas

A downward trend in gas prices is credited to season, increased supplies. Gas prices could approach $2 a gallon in South Carolina and $2.25 in North Carolina in the next few weeks, industry experts predict.

• Prices should drop and remain low until about mid-November, when holiday travel and heating costs rise.

• But disruptions in the Mideast or a major hurricane that affects supply lines could change these predictions and send fuel costs back up to the $3 to $4 a gallon seen after Hurricane Katrina.

• “South Carolina probably has a shot at $2 [a gallon] because we do have some of the lowest prices in the country,” said Tom Crosby, spokesman for AAA Carolinas. “There should be a downward trend between now and Thanksgiving, and it should continue to drop unless something happens.”

Drivers here will likely pay less than the national average price because of the state’s low fuel taxes.

• South Carolina charges about 16 cents a gallon - lower than all states except Wyoming, New Jersey, Alaska, Florida and Georgia, according to a 2003 federal government tally. North Carolina charges between 22 and 25 cents a gallon.

• And Myrtle Beach, which often sees the highest statewide fuel costs in summer months, should approach the state average fuel cost as the tourist season dwindles, Crosby said.

• A drop in gasoline prices could also help retail and tourism on the Grand Strand. Several recent national surveys show consumer confidence at a seven-month high, mostly due to the drop in gasoline prices.

Source: Emma Ritch, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, SC