Gas prices are creeping up in Charlotte. Here’s why and when they might go back down
After a period of low gas prices during the summer months, there has been a slight early fall uptick in Charlotte.
The average price for a gallon of gas in Charlotte is $3.57, up from $3.37 a week ago, according to AAA.
Data from AAA show that the national average gas price rose 11 cents in the last week to $3.92.
Higher prices at the pump could be due to the cost of oil exceeding $90 per barrel for the first time in several weeks, and an increase in demand for fuel, according to AAA.
When will gas prices go back down?
Gas prices are expected to drop in the coming weeks as oil refineries switch to winter blends, according to AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross.
Gasoline blends in winter have higher volatility, “meaning they evaporate more easily and allow gasoline to ignite more easily to start your car in cold temperatures,” stated GasBuddy. The winter blend is cheaper to produce, which usually leads to lower gas prices from September-April.
In early fall, gas prices typically drop by 10-30 cents per gallon as gas stations switch to winter gasoline and demand for fuel decreases, according to GasBuddy.
Where is the cheapest gas in Charlotte?
There are at least 10 stations in the Charlotte area that are selling regular gas for under $3.40 per gallon, according to the latest Gas Buddy Gas Price Map:
Costco, 500 Tyvola Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217: $3.29
Sam’s Club, 11425 Carolina Pl Pkwy., Pineville, NC 28134: $3.29
BJ’s, 11715 Carolina Pl Pkwy, Pineville, NC 28134: $3.29
Exxon, 240 Carowinds Blvd., Fort Mill, SC 29708: $3.29
7-Eleven, 4800 N. Graham St., Charlotte, NC 28269: $3.35
Exxon, 13116 Albemarle Rd., Mint Hill, NC 28227: $3.37
Exxon, 940 Gold Hill Rd., Fort Mill, SC 29708: $3.38
Exxon, 6401 Old Statesville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28269: $3.39
7-Eleven, 9220 Northlake W. Dr., Charlotte, NC 28216: $3.39
Exxon: 3200 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205: $3.39
