News Summary
Gas prices in Columbia have fallen by 4.8 cents per gallon, resulting in an average price of $2.78. This decline provides a welcome relief to local drivers, especially as national prices continue to rise. Comparatively, Columbia’s prices are slightly lower than the statewide average in Missouri and far below those in states like California, which sees prices around $4.80 per gallon. While the national average has increased recently, Columbia drivers can enjoy a brief respite from high fuel costs.
Columbia Gas Prices Taking a Dip!
Good news for drivers in Columbia! If you’ve been keeping an eye on the gas prices lately, you might be happy to know that they’ve fallen by 4.8 cents per gallon in the last week. That brings the average price at the pump down to $2.78 per gallon for our friends in the Midlands. Isn’t that swell?
We’re not just seeing prices dropping this week. Compared to a month ago, prices in Columbia are nearly 3 cents lower, which is certainly something to smile about. It’s a refreshing change when you consider what’s happening on the national stage.
National Trends: Up, Up, and Away!
While folks in Columbia are enjoying a little breather from rising gas prices, the national average paint a different picture. The average price of gasoline across the U.S. has actually risen by 2.2 cents per gallon recently, bringing the national average up to $3.11 per gallon. If you’re traveling to other states, you might find yourself feeling the pinch a bit more than us lucky Columbians!
Now, it’s interesting to note that the cheapest gas station around here is charging only $2.59 per gallon. On the flip side, if you’re not watching where you’re filling up, you might find yourself at one of the pricier spots that charges a whopping $3.29 per gallon. That’s a whopping 70-cent difference. Yikes!
What’s Happening in Columbia?
In Columbia, the average cost of fuel is currently hovering around $2.96 per gallon, according to AAA’s latest reports. That puts Columbia’s prices on the map, but not as high as the statewide average gas price in Missouri, which stands at $2.85 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel. Interestingly, the statewide average has dipped by a cent from last week but is still 5 cents higher compared to a year ago.
A Closer Look at the National Situation
On a positive note, gasoline stocks have actually increased by 2.2 million barrels, while distillate inventories have dropped by 5.5 million barrels. This fluctuation shows how dynamic the fuel market can be.
Where Do Our Crude Oil Supplies Come From?
For those curious about where our fuel originates, the U.S. crude oil imports heavily rely on our neighbors, Canada and Mexico. A staggering 70% of crude oil in the U.S. is imported from these two countries. This reliance can make prices dependent on external factors like tariffs, global supply and demand, and geopolitical events, which are always shifting.
Comparing Prices: Mississippi vs. California
To give you a broader view of the fuel landscape, did you know that Mississippi currently holds the title for the lowest average fuel price at $2.69 per gallon? Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, California is leading the pack with eye-watering prices at around $4.80 per gallon. It’s a wild world of gas prices out there!
All in all, while prices in Columbia may be dipping down a bit, it’s clear that the gas price landscape is never boring. Keep your eyes on the pump and safe travels to all!
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Gas Prices Fall in SC
- KOMU: Columbia Gas Prices Highest of State Metropolitan Areas
- Stacker: How Gas Prices Have Changed in Columbia, Missouri Last Week
- Columbia Tribune: Average Midwest Gas Prices Rose from Last Week
- Wikipedia: Gasoline Pricing in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
