Gas prices tumbling in Ohio heading into Labor Day holiday

Motorists heading out for one last long holiday weekend before summer comes to an end may end up saving money at the gas pump .

Gas prices have been falling heading into the Labor Day weekend with the Ohio average on Monday at $3.21 per gallon, according to AAA. That's down 38 cents from a month ago and 27 cents below a year ago.

But plenty of stations are selling gasoline for well below that.

Gas Buddy is showing a handful of stations in Columbus selling gas for $2.79 per gallon on Monday and other stations at $2.83 per gallon.

The nationwide average is $3.35 per gallon, according to AAA .

Why are gas prices dropping?

AAA credits several factors for the drop in price: Weak demand for gasoline, a hurricane season that so far hasn't disrupted energy markets and a well-supplied oil market. Oil prices have been subdued despite the turmoil in the Middle East.

But AAA does warn that prices may head higher before the weekend hits as motorists prepare for the final hurrah of summer.

The fall is typically the time of the year when gas prices are the cheapest, but AAA warns not to take low prices for granted.

Global unrest and refinery maintenance could push prices higher.

AAA advises drivers to build on the low prices with such things as loyalty points that can further reduce prices at the pump. Also, AAA suggests drivers keep up with the maintenance on their car and slow down to reduce fuel consumption.

mawilliams@dispatch.com

@BizMarkWilliams

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Gas prices tumbling in Ohio heading into Labor Day holiday