AAA Michigan: Statewide average gas prices rise 6 cents

Thirteen states now offer gasoline less than $2 a gallon. Chattanooga gas prices, on average, were 27 cents per gallon below the USA average price of $2.13 per gallon on Sunday.

“As motorists pack their bags and prepare to head out for Thanksgiving, gas prices are falling across much of the country”, Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy, said in a release. California had the highest average gas price on November 18 at $2.71, followed by Washington at $2.64 per gallon.

The main ingredient in gas prices is the price of oil. The agency announced Monday it would suspend all lane restrictions on Interstate 70 while also increasing speed enforcement in the area. The cheapest average gas price is found in Oklahoma, where gas cost $1.86 per gallon according to AAA.

This year the Thanksgiving holiday is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 27. AAA expects 3.7 million will travel by air, a 1.6 percent increase.

AAA-Wisconsin spokesman Nick Jarmusz says an improving economy gets most of the credit for that increase.

Auglaize County saw the most significant jump, going from $1.93 last week to $2.07 early Monday.

With more motorists expected to be on the roadways, the High Point Police Department, along with other area law enforcement agencies, will be stepping up patrols.

Monroe County Sheriff Brad Swain said it is important that drivers avoid being distracted while on the road – which he noted includes not using a cellphone while driving.

Indiana State Police Sgt. The London-based information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during major holidays. He, too, encouraged motorists to be extra vigilant when traveling.

“Those numbers are the highest we’ve seen since 2007”, Johnson said.

Good news for Roseville residents gearing up for the busy Thanksgiving week travel as gas prices locally and around the nation continue to fall.

The expected surge in travel across California on the upcoming holiday has Amtrak officials planning to add seats and expand schedules for people traveling in the state.