As North Carolinians prepare for the Christmas holiday, the price of unleaded gasoline is a few dimes lower than the national average, offering some relief to those hitting the road. On Friday morning, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in North Carolina stood at $2.83, compared to the national average of $3.05, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
AAA forecasts that 3.5 million North Carolinians will travel 50 miles or more from home between Saturday and January 1. On a national level, a total of 119.3 million Americans are expected to hit the road or travel for the holidays. With the anticipated influx of travelers, Debbie Haas of AAA warns that roads, airports, and cruise terminals will be busier than usual, so travelers should plan accordingly.
In addition to the price of unleaded gasoline, North Carolina’s average diesel price is $3.41. This is a 5-cent decrease from a month ago and a 12-cent improvement from last year. Diesel is still notably cheaper than a year ago by 55 cents. While North Carolina remains competitive, 17 states offer cheaper unleaded gas, and 21 states have lower diesel prices.
Gasoline taxes in North Carolina currently stand at 40.4 cents per gallon, which is a 2-cent increase from last year. These taxes fund the state’s Department of Transportation and highway projects, with a significant portion of the funds directed toward the Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund.
Among major metro areas in the state, the cheapest unleaded gas can be found in Jacksonville at $2.72 per gallon, while the Durham-Chapel Hill area has the highest price at $2.97. For diesel, Jacksonville also offers the best rate at $3.27 per gallon.
Throughout the year, North Carolina has seen fluctuating gas prices, with the lowest recorded just before Thanksgiving at $2.87 per gallon for unleaded gas.
