The typically busy summer driving season tends to lead to more demand for gasoline and, in turn, higher prices at the pump. But that hasn’t happened this summer, and analysts aren’t sure of the reason.

“[Drivers] appear to be staying off the road, and the recent scorching heat is possibly to blame. Maybe things will pick up soon,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement Thursday, adding that prices could dip even lower.

Prices are several cents above their levels a month ago, but a gallon of gas is still cheaper than it was this same time last summer. The U.S. has been producing a large amount of gasoline to bolster domestic supply, another factor that can push prices downward. The total amount of gasoline in the U.S. supply is slightly above the five-year average , according to Energy Information Administration data.

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Mississippi. Gas prices are as of July 19.

Mississippi by the numbers
– Gas current price: $3.00
– Week change: -$0.01 (-0.4%)
– Year change: -$0.02 (-0.6%)
– Historical expensive gas price: $4.53 (6/12/22)

– Diesel current price: $3.51
– Week change: -$0.02 (-0.7%)
– Year change: -$0.01 (-0.2%)
– Historical expensive diesel price: $5.38 (6/19/22)

Metros with most expensive gas in Mississippi
#1. South Haven – Olive Branch: $2.98
#2. Jackson: $2.98
#3. Hattiesburg: $2.97
#4. Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula: $2.96

States with the most expensive gas
#1. California: $4.72
#2. Hawaii: $4.70
#3. Washington: $4.27

States with the least expensive gas
#1. Mississippi: $3.00
#2. Louisiana: $3.10
#3. Texas: $3.12

This story features writing by Dom DiFurio and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.

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