Prices at the pump: What will it cost to fill your tank this Fourth of July?

SALT LAKE CITY — Gas prices are ticking up ahead of the July Fourth weekend, but industry experts say it could be worse.

As of June 30, Utah drivers were paying an average of $3.34 per gallon for regular gas, compared to the national average of $3.18.

AAA expects a record 61.6 million Americans on the roads this week,  likely impacting gas prices.

“This is the time of year when gas prices tend to be higher,” said John Treanor of AAA. “One, because of the seasonal mix, a more expensive form of gasoline. But also, we’re approaching Fourth of July … a very busy time.”

Treanor said gas prices surged for a moment after the attacks in Iran and the threat to close a main oil thoroughfare, but they have since come back down..

“We are seeing an increase (in price) from where we were last year, and certainly, that’s partly because these prices that we’re seeing this time are cheaper than they have been in several years,” Treanor said. 

Additionally, he expects the price of gas to inch down further, saying prices typically dip back down after Labor Day when consumer demand decreases. 

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