ROCHELLE — Recently, the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been impacting everything from universities to professional sports leagues and now it has begun affecting gas prices across the country.
Driven by the Coronavirus pandemic and a crude oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, gasoline prices throughout the United States are dropping fast. According to AAA, Gas prices have hit a new low for the year, at $2.30 a gallon on Friday.
This comes as a surprise because gas prices are usually climbing this time of year, as people begin to travel more. Prices still vary throughout the country by location, but the national average could reach $2 soon if the current trend continues.

“Should trends continue the way they are, there is a possibility we could see the national average hit $2 in the coming weeks,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson, in an interview with NPR.
Drivers throughout the country and locally have been enjoying the savings and filling up their vehicles. Prices locally, range from the lowest of $1.84 at Clark gas station on Route 251 and the highest of $2.21 at the Shell station on the south side of town. One resident filling up at the local road ranger could not believe the price.
“$2.04, that is the lowest it has been in a long time,” said Arlyn Van Dyke, local resident. “I honestly can’t remember the last time I have seen it that low.”
While drivers throughout the country have been rejoicing at the surprisingly low prices, organizations such as AAA and U.S. producers of oil are worried it could be a sign of something negative. Cheap oil coming in from Russia and Saudi Arabia may save American Drivers money, but is costing American producers significantly more.
 While the low gas prices may cause struggles down the line for many of the oil producers in the United States, right now, drivers are enjoying the low prices and a change of pace in the news.
“With everything else that has been going on around the world lately, this is a good sight to see,” said Van Dyke.