SWFL sees cheapest holiday gas prices in years

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Gas prices are at their lowest point in seven years, according to AAA.

The national average for a gallon of regular is $2.06, down 75-cents from a year ago. On average, drivers in southwest florida are paying even less, around $2.02 a gallon.

Drivers like Robert Ross, say they’re thankful for the low gas prices this holiday season.

“It helps a lot,” said Ross. “It makes it a lot easier to travel and it’s cheap.”

So far in 2015, people are saving on average, $11 on a full tank of gas. This means more money in your pocket for the holidays every time you fill up at the pump.

“More money to go shopping, buy presents for the kids,” said Ross.

Prices are so low, many people like Thomas Graczyk are hitting the road for the holiday.

“We’re actually going to plan a trip to the other coast,” said Graczyk. “We’re leaving tomorrow to go to Fort Lauderdale and usually we wouldn’t go because of the prices.”

“We live an hour away so we realized, ‘oh gas is cheap’ [and decided] let’s go out,” said Angelica Paz.

Gas is the lowest it has been during this time of year since 2008.

There is a downside. Cheaper gas also means more traffic. Despite that, AAA Manager Marsha Kut is still giving the green light to drivers looking to take advantage of the low prices.

“I hope everybody is out there being safe and traveling safe and enjoying the low gas prices,” said Kut.

AAA also says, gas prices are expected to drop lower before the new year.