Gas prices in Auburn, Alabama are now at an average of $2.79, one of the lowest gas prices for Auburn in recent years.
After the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, Alabama faced some of the highest gas prices in the state's history. Three years ago, the average for regular gas was approximately $3.91 per gallon, the highest average since 2008 when prices averaged $4.10.
Even though gas prices in Alabama rose, gas prices were on the rise nationwide. In California, the average price of regular gas was at $6.29 per gallon in June 2022, according to the U.S Energy Information Administration.
Several different factors have led to the rise of gas prices. The economy slowly recovered after it shut down from the pandemic, leading to a rapid rise in oil demand.
The reduced refining capacity limited the processing of crude oil to gasoline, as crude oil prices were also going up with supply constraints and high demand.
The supply chain faced some disruptions during the pandemic as well, limiting the production and distribution of oil significantly.
Electric cars were also on the rise as former U.S. President Joe Biden wrote the Inflation Reduction Act, which focused on reducing gas-powered vehicles for a cleaner environment.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis of the technology company GasBuddy, has confidence that tariffs would not have too much impact now, but could see a difference in the coming weeks.
“For now, I remain hopeful that tariffs won’t materialize, and gas prices could stay relatively stable over the next few weeks,” De Haan said. “At least until the seasonal rise in prices begins in mid-to-late February.”
Time will tell if tariffs eventually make a difference in gas prices in the long run, but the way gas prices change is quite unpredictable. No one knows when potential events like a stock market crash or a new pandemic will happen.
Gas prices have been going up gradually throughout the years without too many external factors. According to the EIA, in 2015 Alabama’s gas prices averaged $1.90 per gallon, which is a big difference from today.
Alabama citizens can enjoy the comfort of gas prices becoming relatively low for now, but should not be surprised if the prices go up again in the coming months and years.
As we become more automated with the latest technology, more expensive materials will be used, which will raise the price of many goods and services, especially gas.
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Albert Osorio is a senior from Hoover, Alabama, who is majoring in journalism. He joined The Plainsman in January 2024.
