Gas Prices Continue Slide as Summer Nears

As the summer driving season begins, motorists are being treated to lower-than-expected gas prices.

The national average cost for a gallon of regular slipped to $3.59 Sunday, down 6 cents from a week ago and 20 cents from a year ago, according to the latest AAA survey. In Maryland, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded Sunday was $3.52, down 5 cents from a week ago and 27 cents from a year ago.

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Despite the recent relief at the pump, the national average still represents the third-highest post-Memorial Day prices on record, trailing just 2011 and 2008, according to a AAA news release. Gas prices also remain 52 cents less than the all-time record high of $4.11 set in July 2008, AAA reports.

AAA reports that lower crude oil prices, higher crude oil inventories, disappointing economic news, easing of nuclear weapons tensions in Iran and a deepening concern over the Euro all have factors in the falling fuel prices. The price for a barrel of crude oil fell to $83.23 Friday, down $22.50 a barrel since May 1, according to a AAA news release.

Analysts believe prices should continue downward this summer, a trend that could continue into Election Day due to crude oil costs typically being lower at that time and not due to presidential politics, according to a news release.

Here are some of the cheapest gas prices in the Essex-Middle River area, according to Patch's gas price tracker and MarylandGasPrices.com

Gas Station
Address
Price for Regular Unleaded
Sunoco 1 Carroll Island Road $3.33 BP 17 Carroll Island Road $3.33 Citgo
2929 Eastern Ave.
$3.37
724 Eastern Blvd. $3.39 35 Back River Neck Road $3.39