S.C. July gas prices are the lowest in 12 years

South Carolina has the lowest gas prices in the country, with an average price of $1.86 per gallon, according to AAA Carolinas. Thats the lowest price for July in 12 years.

Nearly 90 percent of gas stations in the state are selling gas at under $2 a gallon, the motor club said.

The average prices are about 55 cents less than a year ago and 16 cents less than a month ago. AAA Carolinas said the lower prices are causing millions of Americans to take long road trips this summer.

AAA Carolinas said gas prices likely will remain comparatively low for the rest of the summer. Thats because U.S. crude oil supplies are about 13 percent higher than a year ago, while gasoline stocks have increased to 240 million barrels as refineries produce significant amounts of fuel. This is the highest ever mark for gasoline supplies during the month of July, according to Department of Energy records.

The motor club cautioned that unexpected events, including weather, could change the fuel prices outlook.

On Thursday morning, the lowest price for regular gas in Columbia was $1.72, which was found at the Circle K at Garners Ferry and Old Woodlands roads and the Cheapway at Two Notch and Parklane roads, according to gasbuddy.com. In Cayce, Energy Fuels at Charleston Highway and Old Dunbar Road also sold gas for $1.72 a gallon, according to the website.

The price at all three stations was for cash purchases.

This story was originally published July 21, 2016 at 3:50 PM with the headline "S.C. July gas prices are the lowest in 12 years."