Average retail gasoline prices in North Carolina have fallen 8.1 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.23 per gallon on Sunday (Aug. 30), according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 6,092 gas outlets in the state. This compares with the national average that has fallen 12.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.47/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

The Ahoskie market remains one of the best bargains in the region. On Sunday, the price for a gallon of unleaded regular gas stood at $2.01 per gallon.

Including the change in gas prices in North Carolina during the past week, prices on Sunday were 109.8 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 25.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 19.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 96.4 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“Nationally, gas prices saw their largest weekly drop of the year,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “Prices moved lower in all but one state, Utah, with plunges at the pump throughout the Great Lakes as a result of BP’s Whiting, Indiana refinery coming back online.

“The national average now stands at its lowest point since April, a fitting way to close out the summer driving season with Labor Day approaching,” he added. “While oil prices rallied late last week, I don’t yet expect it to impact pump prices as they still have some catching up to do with the drop in crude oil prices. Since June 30, oil prices have fallen 23% while retail gasoline prices have fallen about half that amount, so gasoline prices will move lower again this week.”