Gasoline prices tumble

Call it an early Christmas present.

As thousands of people take to the roads in Kitsap County and across the state this holiday, they might notice that prices are about 34 cents lower than those on Labor Day.

They might also notice gas prices are about 20 cents higher than Thanksgiving last year.

According to the American Automobile Association, the average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in Washington is $1.61 per gallon, a change from Labor Day weekend’s $1.95 per gallon, but still 20 cents higher than one year ago.

The national average of self-serve regular unleaded is $1.50 per gallon, down 23 cents since Labor Day weekend.

A spot check of gasoline outlets in the greater Central Kitsap region on Monday morning revealed prices fall in a 20 cent range — prices for regular, unleaded were at a low of $1.43 per gallon, up to a high of $1.63 a gallon.

In Bremerton the average price for regular unleaded is $1.58. At Labor Day the price was $1.84 and during Thanksgiving 2002 they were $1.32.

AAA estimates that 36 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, up 2.4 percent from the 35.2 million who traveled last year.

Approximately 31.1 million travelers are expected to travel by motor vehicle, and another 4.6 million plan to go by airplane.

Mountain passes are accumulating snow just in time for Thanksgiving holiday travel, and that means motorists need to prepare for poor driving conditions. Motorists going over a mountain pass should check AAA’s mountain pass report before leaving home at (425) 646-2190. AAA expects auto travel to be heaviest on Thanksgiving Day.

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