Cheapest summer gas in 12 years

Drivers can get expect cheap gas this summer
Drivers can get expect cheap gas this summer

Summer gas prices are expected to be at their lowest level in 12 years, according to a government forecast released Tuesday.

Gas is expected to average $2.27 a gallon nationwide during the April through September summer driving season, according to the Energy Information Administration. That's down 36 cents, or 13%, from gas prices last summer.

Related: Don't write off American oil boom, despite OPEC

Gas typically costs more during the summer due to a combination of strong demand from drivers and environmental regulations which require a more a expensive blend of gas in order to fight smog.

The national average for gas was $2.36 a gallon on Tuesday, according to AAA, down from $2.75 a year ago at this time.

Gas prices are low even though oil prices have risen sharply from the start of the year. Brent crude spot prices averaged $47 a barrel in May, up $5 a barrel from April. It was the fourth straight monthly increase since it hit a 12-year low of $31 on average in January. But the price of crude, like the price of gas is still below year-ago levels.

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