AAA: Politics Isn’t a Solution to High Gas Prices

After Labor Day, AAA predicted that gas prices across the country would drop leading up to Election Day, and will move even lower approaching the end of the year. And that’s exactly what’s happening.

For the second week, gas prices dipped by an average of 13 cents a gallon, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report.

In Bucks and Montgomery Counties, the average price of a gallon is $3.807 per gallon, which is 8.1 cents lower than a week ago, 11.8 cents lower than a month ago and 29.3 cents higher than a year ago.

High gas prices continue to not just be a front-of-mind issue for motorists, but also a frequent topic in Washington. AAA has consistently noted, because it is a publicly traded global commodity, there is no sliver-bullet solution to high gas prices, and there is very little that politicians can do in the short-term to meaningfully impact prices.  

This fact has been evident, the report states, because in 2012 motorists have experienced volatile pump prices due to increasing global demand, geopolitical tensions overseas, international economic news and, most recently, domestic supply and distribution issues.

Locally, the cheapest price for regular is $3.70 at the Hess at 724 Street Rd. in Southampton and the Sunoco at 890 E Street Rd. in Warminster.

10/23/12

WEEK AGO

YEAR AGO

National

$3.648

$3.773

$3.456

Pennsylvania

$3.774

$3.867

$3.500

Philadelphia Area

$3.807

$3.888

$3.514

Where have you seen the best gas prices? Tell us in the comments.