Tampa gas prices drop | News

Tampa, FL -- Average retail gasoline prices in Tampa fell 5.1 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.29/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that fell 5.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.36/g, according to gasoline price website TampaGasPrices.com.

"Gasoline prices have continued their slow decline in the last week across a solid majority of the United States, with the national average sagging to its lowest level since this past February," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan in a release. "Many motorists may be giving thanks for the lower gasoline prices- until they realize that average prices will still easily exceed prior Thanksgiving Day records."

Including the change in gas prices in Tampa during the past week, prices yesterday were 50.4 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 10.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 11.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 49.3 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

DeHaan also shared recent results from a poll conducted of its members, showing the smallest growth in holiday driving distance since it began surveying users in 2009. The poll also showed a 2% rise in the number of North Americans that would not drive at all for the holiday gathering.

"This certainly isn't a shock given the higher gasoline costs, but goes to show that few motorists reduce their holiday driving because of higher prices," DeHaan said.