WEST MAHANOY TOWNSHIP -- Drivers could finally be seeing some relief at the pump.
After a gallon of unleaded gas neared $4, the American Automobile Association said gas prices have dropped about 10 cents in the last week and could continue to fall.
Drivers may start feeling a little less pinch at the pump.
Though AAA says gas prices are higher than ever for this time of year, prices are starting to drop, down last week about 8 cents statewide to an average of $3.80 per gallon of unleaded.
Newswatch 16 found drivers filling up for $3.75 near Frackville.
"It`s good that it`s down from $4, especially for our area too because times are tough," said Vaness Kania of Frackville.
AAA said gas prices generally drop in the fall when refiners switch to less expensive fuel blends, but refinery problems and decreasing gasoline supply kept prices up about a month longer than usual.
"You know what, I have friends that live in the Poconos and I`ll go see them no matter what the gas prices are. It`s great that the prices are coming down though because every little bit, that`s a little less debt I have to worry about," said Betsy Moerder of Center Valley.
AAA said experts predict gas prices could fall five to 15 cents a week for the next three weeks.
"Well maybe because the election is coming up, but I`m sure after the election, it`ll jump back up again. Politics as usual," said John Seasock of Frackville.
"It would be nice, but like I said too, I`ll believe it when I see it. It`s usually down, then it goes back up. Up and down and the pennies don`t matter that much. Five cents on the gallon really isn`t that much of an improvement," added Walter Hughes of Ashland.
"Well it just depends on how low they`re going to go. I don`t think we`ll ever see $3 again, you know," said Tracey Pennington of Honey Brook, who added every little bit helps.
It was just four years ago that gas reached an all-time record high of $4.11 per gallon. Many drivers said the further gas prices get from $4 per gallon, the better.