Thanksgiving gasoline prices slightly above last year’s level

National average gasoline prices are currently $3.43 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel (as of 11/21), slightly above prices a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). The U.S. average price for regular gasoline on Thanksgiving 2011 was $3.35 per gallon, which was a record for that time of year. Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday accounts for the most heavily traveled part of the year in the United States. AAA estimates that during the 2012 core Thanksgiving travel period (Nov. 21-25), more than 39 million people in the United States will travel more than 50 miles in their vehicles.

Although national average gasoline prices are at the highest level ever for the Thanksgiving holiday, national average retail gasoline prices for unleaded fuel are down more than 30 cents per gallon since the beginning of October.