AAA: Lower gas prices expected in 2013 | News

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Good news for millions of American drivers: AAA is predicting lower gas prices in 2013. The motor club says the lower prices are a result of increased domestic oil production and lower demand.

AAA says the average highs for Alabama should be around $3.50 to $3.70 this year. The national average is expected to peak at $3.60 to $3.80 per gallon. In 2012, the national peak was $3.94.

Alabama AAA spokesperson Clay Ingram says barring big storms, major wars or production and distribution outages, the single biggest influence on gas prices this year will be the U.S. economy.

"Stronger than expected growth in the economy would result in higher oil and gasoline prices in anticipation of higher consumption, while a weaker than expected economy would drive prices downwards," Ingram added.

"Inaction by Congress to reach a debt deal in two months also would result in increased concern about the U.S. economy and could lead to lower gasoline prices," he said.

Today's average gas price for Alabama is $3.23 a gallon, a total of four cents lower than this last year or last month.

You can check out the lowest gas prices on our website at http://www.myfoxal.com/link/398582/gas-prices or the WBRC smartphone app.

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