Gas prices continue dramatic drop in Seattle-area, nationwide
Jan 7, 2015, 6:19 AM | Updated: 7:31 am
Gas prices have reached their lowest level since 2009 and are expected to go slightly lower in the next week or two. (AP)
(AP)
Drivers keep getting a pleasant surprise at the pump, as gas prices continue their downward spiral across Washington state and the country.
Credit a surplus in U.S. crude oil, which has helped drop the national average to $2.18, the lowest its been since 2009, according to AAA.
The average price for a gallon of regular in Washington state dropped Tuesday to $2.47, nearly 10 cents a gallon less than just one week ago, and 58 cents a gallon lower than one month ago.
In the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett area, the average price for a gallon of regular dropped to $2.60 Tuesday. A year ago, it was going for $3.45.
Around the area, gas can be had for far less than the average. Costcos across the area were selling regular for as low as $2.11. And many drivers were reporting paying less than $2 a gallon by taking advantage of customer rewards programs at Fred Meyer outlets like the one in Lynnwood, where a gallon of regular was selling for $2.16 Tuesday.
Ok, just paid $1.33 a gal. I don't know if I should be happy or scared? #pinchme pic.twitter.com/DCl9TAGZKC
— Roberta Romero (@RobertaRomero1) January 6, 2015
Experts predict gas prices will continue to drop a bit more for the next week or two before bottoming out. Tom Klosa, founder of the Oil Price Information Service, said in a report prices below $2 a gallon are close to cost.
Gas prices are expected to slowly begin creeping back up in the spring as demand increases, and refineries empty their supply of winter gas and switch to summer blends.
