Myrtle Beach gas prices over $4 per gallon. How will it affect Bike Rally, tourism?
Gas prices continue to be on the rise in the Grand Strand this week as some stations are seeing prices reach more than $4 per gallon.
The average gas price in Myrtle Beach has risen more than 20 cents per gallon in the last week, sitting at $3.90 per gallon, according to GasBuddy, a fuel-services platform that offers gas prices nationwide in real time. As of Sunday, the cheapest station in Myrtle Beach was priced at $3.67 per gallon, while the most expensive was $4.29 per gallon.
Gas prices are more than 24 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, according to GasBuddy. Myrtle Beach comes in a few cents below the state average, with South Carolina averaging $3.97 per gallon.
The steady incline has caused some Myrtle Beach officials to become unsure how rising gas prices will affect tourism during Memorial Day weekend, The Sun News previously reported.
The city doesn’t know whether people will travel or stay home, Emergency Management Director Travis Glatki said during a presentation to the city Human Rights Commission. The concern has made it difficult to plan how to handle staffing during the busy holiday weekend, he said.
The city isn’t the only one concerned over gas prices affecting major Myrtle Beach tourism. Lee “Spider” Webb, the chairperson of the promotions and marketing committee for Myrtle Beach Spring Bike Rally, said gas prices could be a challenge for those bringing trailers to the Grand Strand.
The rally, scheduled from May 8 to May 17, draws around 400,000 people to the area. Webb said he doesn’t expect the high prices to affect overall attendance. People who ride in on their motorcycles won’t be affected, as the bikes have smaller tanks that can drive more miles.
The bigger challenge will be for those who are bringing trailers, he said. That may be a decision in how they decide to come.
