(The Center Square) – As autumn begins in Kentucky, drivers across the state are noticing gas prices are starting to fall.
According to data from AAA, the average price statewide for a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.463 on Monday, down from $3.52 a week ago. While it’s still more than 21 cents per gallon compared to the same time last year, Kentuckians are still paying well below the national average of $3.849.
In fact, none of Kentucky’s 120 counties has an average price exceeding $3.69.
Like regular unleaded, prices for higher octane fuels have dropped in the past week. The $3.917 average price for mid-grade unleaded was nearly 6 cents lower than last Monday, while the $4.336 average for a gallon of premium was nearly five cents lower.
A week ago, the country saw its highest national average of the year, with a gallon of regular unleaded costing more than $3.88. On Monday, the average price was $3.849.
AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said gas prices typically drop around this time of the year as gas stations across most of the country switch over to less-expensive winter blends. However, there are concerns another increase may take place.
“The gradual seasonal decline in pump prices is being slowed by higher oil costs, hovering around $90 a barrel,” he added.
Typically, Louisville has the highest gas prices in the state. However, an Eastern Kentucky county overtook the state’s largest city Monday. Clay County reported an average price of $3.683. Just south of it, neighboring Bell County had the lowest price at $3.151.
Louisville drivers were paying an average of $3.629, while the price in Lexington was $3.542.
Regionally, Tennessee was the only neighboring state with a lower average price. Its $3.376 price was the seventh lowest nationally. At $3.892, Illinois was the most expensive neighboring state for motorists.
California and Mississippi remain the country’s bookends for gas prices. At $5.828 for a gallon of regular unleaded, California drivers are paying more than 55 cents extra per gallon than they were a month ago.
Mississippi’s average of $3.268 was down more than 3 cents from this time last month.
