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Drop in Utah Gasoline Prices Lags Notable National Trend

File: Ocalapost.com

Utahns will have to wait to enjoy the rest of the country’s overall downward trend in gasoline prices.

AAA reports Tuesday’s national average of $3.47 per gallon is 18 cents lower than last month. Utah’s price is only 4 cents lower. Randy Shumway is the economic advisor to Zions Bank. He says aside from any major unforeseen global political or economic events, the state will follow its long history of lagging as fuel prices fall nationally.

“So if you want to know what’s going to happen with gasoline prices in the state of Utah, all you have to do is look at the national trend and know that we’re going to follow 4 to 6 weeks behind,” says Shumway.

Rolayne Fairclough of AAA says you can still find savings at the pump by trying to time your fill-ups right before a holiday weekend.

“And so there’s a sweet spot and you try to find that sweet spot. Also, just try to do everything you can to maximize your efficiency, in your fuel efficiency,” says Fairclough.

Fairclough says checking your tire pressure; reducing stops and starts, and reducing your speed can all greatly reduce fuel consumption.

AAA reports today's national average price is the lowest it's been on this date since 2011. Hawaii has the highest gas prices in the U.S. while South Carolina has the lowest.   

Bob Nelson is a graduate of the University of Utah with a BA in mass communications. He began his radio career at KUER in 1978 when it was still in Kingsbury Hall. That’s also where he met his wife, Maria Shilaos, in 1981. Bob left KUER for commercial radio where he worked for 25 years, and he is thrilled to be back at KUER. Bob and his family are part of an explorer group, fondly known as The Hordes and Masses, which has been seeking out ghost towns and little-known places in Utah for more than twenty years.
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