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The past several months have put a financial strain on nearly the entire US population due to the record high gas prices. That statement is no surprise to anyone. Not only were individual finances strained, but also the need to use less gas tremendously damaged the economic situation for consumer establishments all over the country.
Reports of people driving to neighboring states and communities looking for the lowest gas prices are common in the current situation. But now the price of gas is much lower, and consumers are breathing easier. Here's a look at how the different regions and states of the US are fairing with the lower pricing.
Starting at the high end of the regular gas price spectrum, the unfortunate states of Hawaii and Alaska lead the pack in high gas prices, Hawaii for the highest low. The prices there range from $2.65 to $3.29 per gallon. Alaska for the highest high price of a gallon of regular gas. The prices there range from $2.36 to $3.63 per gallon. Nevada is next with the current gas prices in those states sitting at $2.31 to $2.79.
From this point on, things look a little less financially painful for drivers, but not much. The lovely states of Oregon and Washington are reporting fuel prices from $2.15 to $2.69. Now California is a surprise with the lowest cost of regular gas at $2.09 to the high of $3.09. California is usually one of the most expensive states, so the lowere end of the regular price scale is a pretty good price there.
The people of New York State can find gas between $2.17 and $2.69, while in Utah $2.17 to $2.99 are the magic numbers. Colorado $2.02 to $2.64 and Idaho are faced with $2.21 per gallon and $2.55 While no particular state has it easy in terms of gas prices, these states are currently the hardest hit regions.
On the lower end of the spectrum, Mississippi is the place to be. This Southern State is looking at gas prices of an average $1.89 to $2.17 per gallon. That's a far cry from a driver in Hawaii's or Alaska's cost. The runner up is Missouri. The prices there are $1.89 to $2.19. The Georgia peaches are third with an average gas price of $1.95 to $2.39.
The people of the beautiful bluegrass state of Kentucky are facing pumps with gas at $2.02 to $2.29. There seems to be a trend here of the Southern states being more fortunate in the gas wars. The rest of states are holding steady at gas prices ranging from $2.06 to $2.40 across the nation.
Just for fun, let's take a look at the best fairing cities from sea to shining sea. Des Moines, IA has the best fuel price at $2.01 to $2.12 per gallon. It is amazing how different specific city averages differ from the state average.
For example, the average gas price in Iowa is $2.11. Kansas City is hanging out at roughly the same as Des Moines. On the flip side, Honolulu gas prices are a not too hard to handle with the average being $2.79 per gallon. San Francisco isn't doing much better. Their prices are hitting $2.74 per gallon of gas.
There doesn't appear to be any rhythm or reason to the widely varying costs. The price of gas seems to change rather quickly, but only by a couple of pennies at this point. Not at all like we saw over the summer months when gasoline was about 3.00 a gallon. It seemed like the gas station signs had revolving numbers on them, they were changing so quickly.
The best thing a concerned driver can do is to be watch the prices, and be aware of any price increases over the next couple of months. Read your newspapers and check gas related websites to stay current with the recent trends.
There are many sites designed to relay up to the date gas cost information and they are an excellent option since they are easy to use for specific regional locations. It seems we all speak to neighbors, family and friends as much about gas prices as just about anything else. We are still being watchful, and we are hoping the prices stay where they are.