Gas Prices Drop Just in Time for Thanksgiving Travel

Drivers in the Coachella Valley are seeing a welcome dip in gas prices just in time for the holiday season. The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gas has dropped to $3.12, a significant decline of 49% over the past 19 weeks. This marks a 31-cent decrease compared to the same time last year, according to the latest Lundberg Survey. In California, prices remain higher than the national average, but Palm Springs and the surrounding areas have also benefited from the downward trend. The average gas price in Riverside County now stands at $4.33 per gallon, providing some relief for local residents gearing up for Thanksgiving travel. Experts attribute the decline to reduced demand, as many Americans park their cars during the holiday week instead of commuting. With travel plans concentrated on the Thanksgiving holiday itself, gas stations could see even less traffic in the coming days. For Coachella Valley residents, this is welcome news amid rising costs in other areas. Whether traveling locally or hosting visitors, the lower prices offer some financial breathing room during the holidays. Travelers are encouraged to fill up early to secure the best prices as they prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving celebrations. Visit our newsroom section for more on holiday travel updates.