MONROE - The AAA Fuel Gauge Report has marked Wisconsin as having the third largest monthly decline in gas prices throughout the country as of Tuesday, with the state dipping an average of 35 cents right behind Illinois.
Monroe has been feeling the savings. As of Monday, the average price at the pump dropped below $2, making Thanksgiving fuel costs the lowest they have been since 2008. Last year, national averages at this time were more than $2.70 per gallon. This week that national average hovers around $2.07, which is a bonus for those making their way out of town to visit family.
Connie Stadel stops in Monroe to get fuel regularly. Though she lives in Lena, she has noted the gas price drop in the area. The $1.96 per gallon is a welcome sight compared to the $2.15 per gallon she noticed they are still charging in Freeport. Stadel has plans to drive to her daughter's house for the Thanksgiving holiday, making her one of the approximately 42 million people in the U.S. expected to hit the road for the holiday. Not a long trip, but it will still be an out-of-town excursion to Rockford, Illinois.
"It's not like we travel long distances, but if I did, I would feel a lot better about the fact that the prices have gone down so much compared to what they were," Stadel said. "I'm thrilled to know gas prices are lower."
Historically, prices dip in the month of November, and barring any disruptions in oil production, the year should come to a close at lower rates. Global supply also continues to be higher than demand. Monroe has seen the benefits, when gas fell to a city average of $2.09 before dropping to $1.99 this week, and finally to $1.96 per gallon as of Tuesday afternoon.
Judy Antos of Monroe stopped at the local Kwik Trip Tuesday to fill up and said the change in cost was "wonderful" to see. Antos makes a number of weekly trips just in town and said it is helpful to have lower gas prices, especially around the holiday season.
"It's a real holiday present," Antos said. "I see it as helpful for a lot of people. If it stays low through the Christmas holidays, it would be a real present for everyone."
National prices are also in line to remain under $2 per gallon through December according to AAA, which would be the first time since 2009. Crude oil has remained low in comparison to previous years, which has caused the drop of more than 70 cents. Oil refinery restarts in the Midwest, including the return of an ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Illinois, to production after a period of scheduled maintenance, have also contributed to lower gasoline prices.
Monroe has been feeling the savings. As of Monday, the average price at the pump dropped below $2, making Thanksgiving fuel costs the lowest they have been since 2008. Last year, national averages at this time were more than $2.70 per gallon. This week that national average hovers around $2.07, which is a bonus for those making their way out of town to visit family.
Connie Stadel stops in Monroe to get fuel regularly. Though she lives in Lena, she has noted the gas price drop in the area. The $1.96 per gallon is a welcome sight compared to the $2.15 per gallon she noticed they are still charging in Freeport. Stadel has plans to drive to her daughter's house for the Thanksgiving holiday, making her one of the approximately 42 million people in the U.S. expected to hit the road for the holiday. Not a long trip, but it will still be an out-of-town excursion to Rockford, Illinois.
"It's not like we travel long distances, but if I did, I would feel a lot better about the fact that the prices have gone down so much compared to what they were," Stadel said. "I'm thrilled to know gas prices are lower."
Historically, prices dip in the month of November, and barring any disruptions in oil production, the year should come to a close at lower rates. Global supply also continues to be higher than demand. Monroe has seen the benefits, when gas fell to a city average of $2.09 before dropping to $1.99 this week, and finally to $1.96 per gallon as of Tuesday afternoon.
Judy Antos of Monroe stopped at the local Kwik Trip Tuesday to fill up and said the change in cost was "wonderful" to see. Antos makes a number of weekly trips just in town and said it is helpful to have lower gas prices, especially around the holiday season.
"It's a real holiday present," Antos said. "I see it as helpful for a lot of people. If it stays low through the Christmas holidays, it would be a real present for everyone."
National prices are also in line to remain under $2 per gallon through December according to AAA, which would be the first time since 2009. Crude oil has remained low in comparison to previous years, which has caused the drop of more than 70 cents. Oil refinery restarts in the Midwest, including the return of an ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Illinois, to production after a period of scheduled maintenance, have also contributed to lower gasoline prices.