AAA Expects Record 61.6 Million Fourth of July Drivers Amid Lowest Summer Gas Prices Since 2021

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, millions of Americans are preparing for travel with generally favorable gas prices easing the cost of road trips. Nationally, gas prices are expected to average between $3.10 and $3.15 per gallon, the cheapest summer holiday rates since at least 2021, with local averages such as $2.90 in North Carolina and $2.79 in Alabama reflecting this trend. The recent decline in oil prices followed a ceasefire between Israel and Iran after initial conflict-induced spikes, contributing to the drop in fuel costs. Despite some regional variations, such as Perry County, Alabama, where prices remain higher, overall prices are declining and may fall below $3 per gallon this summer if geopolitical tensions remain stable. Additionally, while Southern California may see a rise in gas prices, it is expected to be less severe than anticipated. In New York, drivers can look forward to about 12% savings in fuel costs compared to last year's Fourth of July holiday, although prices remain slightly above the national average.