Nevada gas prices drop 22 cents in a week, but Las Vegas drivers are still paying more than $5 a gallon

What happened

Gas prices in Nevada fell again this week. KTNV reported that the statewide average dropped 22 cents to $4.96 per gallon. Las Vegas, however, has not yet joined the state average below the $5 mark.

KTNV cited figures from AAA. Doug Johnson, a spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group, said drivers may notice prices declining and that the trend is normal for this time of year. He also said that so far this month is the most expensive November on record for gas prices.

Where Las Vegas stands

Las Vegas and Reno remain above $5

KTNV reported that the average in Las Vegas was $5.03 per gallon. Reno was higher still, at $5.10 per gallon. Both cities remain above the statewide average of $4.96.

Wide gaps between counties

Prices across Nevada vary widely depending on where drivers fill up. According to the KTNV report, White Pine County had the lowest average in the state, at $4.07 per gallon. Mineral County had the highest, at $5.77 per gallon.

For drivers in the Las Vegas valley, the local average is above the state figure but below the top price reported in Mineral County.

How Nevada compares nationally

National average dips below $4

AAA reported that the national average has fallen below $4 for the first time since July, to $3.91 per gallon. According to KTNV, that is 20 cents cheaper than a week ago and 45 cents cheaper than a month ago. It is still 85 cents more than a year ago.

Highest and lowest states

Hawaii and California are tied for the most expensive gas in the country, at $5.63 per gallon, the station reported. North Carolina has the lowest price, at $3.18 per gallon. Nevada's statewide average of $4.96 remains above the national average of $3.91.

What crude oil is doing

While pump prices fell, crude oil rose midweek. KTNV reported that, according to West Texas Intermediate, the price of a barrel of crude oil rose 49 cents to around $87 at the close of Wednesday's trading session.

The report did not say whether that increase would affect what drivers pay in the weeks ahead. Readers following the state's fuel supply can see earlier coverage of Nevada's fuel storage and pipeline recommendations.

Why it matters for local drivers

Even after this week's drop, Las Vegas drivers are paying more per gallon than the state as a whole and more than the national average. The AAA comments reported by KTNV also show that prices this month remain high by November standards, even as they decline.

What to watch next

• Whether Las Vegas, at $5.03 per gallon, follows the statewide average below $5.
• Where November ends, after AAA said the month so far is the most expensive November on record for gas.
• Whether the national average stays under $4 after falling to $3.91, its first time below that mark since July.
• Crude oil prices, after a barrel rose 49 cents to around $87 at Wednesday's close, according to West Texas Intermediate.