By John Raffel
Correspondent
MARION – Osceola County’s average gas prices were listed at $3.156 per gallon by AAA as of Dec. 15.
The average price per gallon of other neighboring counties were:
$2.989 for Clare County, 43049 for Gladwin County, $3..285 for Lake County; $3.312 for Wexford County; $3.301 for Missaukee County, $3.226 for Mecosta County, $3.156 for Osceola County and $3.264 in Isabella County.
These prices were of Dec. 15.
The national average was $3.193 while rhe state average is $3.131 compared to $3.132 a week ago, $3.988 a month ago and $3.173 a year ago.
AAA said there are now approximately 34 states with averages lower than last year.
“The seasonal pattern of less driving due to shorter days and crummy weather, combined with a lower oil cost, is driving gas prices lower,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson in a statement. “If this trend continues, many states could see their average prices fall below $3 a gallon by early next year.”
According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand remained low at 8.36 million b/d last week, approximately 605,000 b/d lower than a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose significantly by 5.3 million bbl to 219.1 million bbl. Increasing supply and lower gasoline demand will push pump prices lower.