Tools

Gas prices less than they were a year ago, but outlook unclear

By WKTV News

Story Created: Aug 10, 2012 at 4:45 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 10, 2012 at 5:23 PM EDT

Gas prices in the Utica-Rome area are at an average of $3.83 a gallon, which is four cents less than they were a year ago.

However, experts say that motorists should not get too used to using the words "lower" and "gas prices" together for long. Ed Welsh of AAA says that problems with refineries in California and unrest in the Middle East have caused prices at the pump to soar and the outlook right now for the future remains unclear.

"When we look at the crystal ball with summer ending, traditionally, 9 of the last 11 years, gas prices have flattened out and gone down in early September," Welsh said. "Now, 9 of the last 11 years, does that mean that's how it's going to be this year? Can't say right now."

The lowest gas price of the year struck on July 2 at $3.53 a gallon.

Welsh says there is a possibility we will, again, hit $4 a gallon by the end of the year.

What's On