Gas prices set to be lowest on July 4 in three years

Gas prices on July 4 are set to be the lowest for the holiday in three years, marking a reprieve for consumers.

According to GasBuddy, a company that tracks gas prices, the national average gas price on July 4 is expected to be $3.49 per gallon.

“For those hitting the road to celebrate Independence Day, gas prices have seen modest recent fluctuations, but most states are seeing prices near or even well below where they were a year ago,” head GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said.

However, he warned of possible disruptions in the future.

“While the first half of the summer has been relatively smooth sailing, the road ahead may be bumpy," De Haan added. "Activity in the tropics has increased, and projections remain for a very busy hurricane season. Even after the holiday fireworks are over, we’ll be watching for any potential fireworks at the pump that could be brought on by hurricanes disrupting refineries.”

The lower gas prices are sure to be welcomed by a major influx of holiday travelers — the American Automobile Association estimated that more than a fifth of people will be traveling between June 29 and July 7.

Here are the gas prices for a gallon of regular-grade gas in and around Washington, D.C., surrounding states, and some travel hot spots.

In Washington, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.69 on Wednesday. Prices have remained steady for the past month, averaging $3.709 per gallon a month prior. It was $3.699 per gallon one year ago.

In Maryland, the average price for a gallon of gas was $3.579 on Wednesday. As with Washington, prices have remained largely stable, with the average price per gallon being $3.507 one week ago and $3.610 one month ago.

In Virginia, the average price for a gallon of gas was $3.374 on Wednesday. One week ago, it was $3.330 per gallon, and a month ago, it was $3.422 per gallon.

Delaware's gas prices are close to the national total, with the average gallon of gas costing $3.462. Last week, a gallon of gas cost $3.443, and last month, it cost $3.482.

California boasts some of the highest gas prices in the country — the average price for a gallon of gas on Wednesday was $4.790. Prices sat at $4.811 per gallon one week ago and $5.044 one month ago.

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Florida's gas prices are close to the national average, with the average gallon of gas costing $3.525 on Wednesday. This is slightly higher than $3.440 per gallon last week and $3.435 last month.

Texas boasts some of the lowest gas prices in the country. On Wednesday, the average gallon of gas cost $3.104. This is close to last week's total of $3.082 per gallon and last month's $3.081.