Gas Prices Are Dropping In Maryland

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- If you've filled your tank in recent days, you've probably noticed something unusual. Gas prices in Maryland have been dropping.

Ron Matz reports that's a good thing for motorists with the approach of a big holiday weekend.

Prices at the pump are changing right before our eyes. Gas has gone down 11 cents in the past week.

The biggest winner may be Robert Morgan. Check out his Yamaha Zama scooter. He filled it up for $4.

"I have a Yamaha Zuma. I get about 70 miles a gallon. When I had a car, I got about 18 miles a gallon, so this beats it by far. I'm sure a lot of people are going to be buying these in the future because of the gas mileage problem," said Robert Morgan, Hampden. "They cost about $2,500. I put premium in and $4 fills my tank for about 70 miles. I love it. This is definitely the way to go."

Heading across the Bay Bridge down the ocean, pump prices are even lower.

"What we're seeing nationally and here in Maryland over the past weeks is a signficant decline in what we're paying at the pumps. In fact, gas prices have gone down 11 cents per gallon. The average price is $3.90 a gallon in Maryland. Prices are still a dollar more a gallon than they were last year," said Ragina Averella, AAA Mid-Atlantic. "For those going to Ocean City over the holiday, the cheapest gas in Maryland right now is on the Eastern Shore. It's about 20 cents cheaper per gallon there than it is in most other parts of the state."

Industry experts say the decline in gas prices may be just a start. They could drop even more later this summer.

"Many analysts say what we're seeing is somewhat atypical. We usually see gas prices rise a little before a holiday. We're actually seeing them decline, which is pleasant for motorists. Many analysts are predicting that we will continue to see them decline and hopefully by July or August we'll even see prices as low as between $3.25 and $3.75 a gallon," said Averella.

Click here for the latest gas prices.