Gas Prices: Increase for the second straight day after Harris becomes presumptive Democratic nominee

Gas prices increased again on Wednesday, with the average price of a gallon of regular gas rising to $3.513, according to AAA. This was an increase over Tuesday’s average price of $3.502. 

While prices have fluctuated in 2024, there has been a decrease in the pumps in recent weeks and months. Nevertheless, gas prices remain significantly higher than when former President Donald Trump was in office.

The price of gas remains a vital topic heading into the 2024 presidential election. With President Joe Biden deciding not to seek reelection, Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive nominee, will have to indicate how she would address the country’s high gas prices, the overall cost of energy, and how both affect the economy and people’s finances.

Moreover, Wednesday’s price for gas was slightly more expensive than the price of regular gas last week, when it was $3.512 per gallon. Prices are also more expensive now than a month ago when the average cost for a gallon of regular was $3.448.

Gas prices vary significantly among states. For the second day in a row, Hawaii has the highest average price for a gallon of regular gas, at $4.685 a gallon on Wednesday. Mississippi remained the state with the lowest average price, at $2.99.

Gas prices vary significantly among states. To see how expensive gas is in each state, click here. Here are the gas prices for a gallon of regular-grade gas in and around Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday was $3.713. That was an increase from the day before in the nation’s capital when gas was $3.722. A week ago, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.706 per gallon. A month ago, people in Washington paid $3.666 per gallon.

Maryland

On Wednesday, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Maryland was $3.487. This was an increase from the day before, when regular gas was $3.485 per gallon. A week ago, the price was $3.551 per gallon. A month ago, people in Maryland paid $3.518 for a gallon of regular gas. However, prices in Maryland are slightly less expensive than this time last year, when a gallon of regular gas cost Marylanders $3.593.

Delaware

The average price for a gallon of regular gas has deviated a lot recently. On Wednesday, the average price was $3.398, a decrease from Tuesday’s price of $3.401. Both prices are less expensive than last week’s, when it cost $3.485 for a gallon of regular gas. However, gas prices are cheaper than a month ago, when people in the First State were paying $3.454 for a gallon of regular gas.

Virginia

On Wednesday, the average price for a gallon of regular-grade gas in Virginia was $3.416. This was an increase from Tuesday’s average price of $3.411 per gallon. Gas prices are less expensive now than a week ago, when regular-grade gas was $3.454 per gallon. A month ago, a gallon of regular was $3.318.

Pennsylvania

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Pennsylvania on Wednesday was $3.640. It was a slight increase from the day before, when regular gas was $3.639 per gallon. Prices have decreased from a week ago, however, when the price for regular gas was $3.669 per gallon. A month ago, people in the Keystone State paid $3.626 for a gallon of regular gas.

New Jersey

On Wednesday, the average price for a gallon of regular-grade gas in New Jersey was $3.423. This was a decrease from Tuesday’s average price of $3.431 per gallon. Also, gas prices are less expensive now than a week ago, when regular-grade gas was $3.471 per gallon. A month ago, a gallon of regular was $3.3369.