Myrtle Beach, December 31, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, South Carolina drivers rejoice over significantly lower gas prices. The decline is making holiday travel more affordable, boosting both the local economy and consumer optimism. In Myrtle Beach, gas prices have fallen noticeably, offering substantial savings for families and positively impacting local businesses. This trend is expected to continue, signaling a strong end-of-year economic outlook for the region.

Myrtle Beach

SC Gas Prices Plummet Ahead of Holidays

South Carolina drivers are enjoying significant savings at the pump, making holiday travel more affordable and boosting local economic optimism.

As the holiday season approaches, residents and visitors in Myrtle Beach and across South Carolina are receiving a welcome gift: significantly lower gas prices. This positive trend not only eases the financial burden for families planning holiday travel but also provides a noticeable boost to local businesses and the overall regional economy. When fuel costs decrease, consumers often have more disposable income, which can be reinvested into our vibrant communities, supporting everything from small retail shops to tourism-dependent enterprises.

The spirit of entrepreneurial innovation thrives when economic conditions provide stability and predictability. These declining gas prices are a testament to market dynamics, reflecting supply and demand that ultimately benefit the average South Carolina entrepreneur and hardworking family. This economic tailwind reinforces the resilience seen within the Myrtle Beach SC business landscape, enabling greater flexibility and potentially fostering increased personal achievement through reduced everyday costs.

A Welcome Reprieve for South Carolina Drivers

South Carolina gas prices have plummeted ahead of holiday travel, bringing significant relief to drivers as of December 20, 2025. This welcome break at the pump is set to benefit those hitting the road for Christmas and other holiday festivities this year. South Carolinians are enjoying lower gas prices, with reports indicating a decline of more than 11 cents in the past week as of December 22, 2025. The average price for a gallon of gas in the Palmetto State as of December 19, 2025, stood at $2.56. Furthermore, South Carolina gas prices dropped 8.8 cents, bringing relief ahead of the holiday season as of December 1, 2025.

For Myrtle Beach specifically, gas prices have fallen 8.1 cents per gallon in the week leading up to December 22, 2025, averaging $2.41 per gallon. This local drop means that Myrtle Beach gas prices are 22 cents lower than a month prior and 30.5 cents lower than a year prior. This provides tangible savings for families and contributes positively to the Myrtle Beach small business environment, as operational costs are reduced.

Forecasting Further Drops: A Boost for Local Commerce

GasBuddy, a national fuel tracking service, expects prices to dip even further by Christmas Day, projecting the national average will fall to around $2.79 per gallon. This projected national average of $2.79 per gallon on Christmas Day is down from $3.00 a year ago, which could save U.S. motorists over half a billion dollars during the Christmas travel week compared to 2024. The national average price of gasoline has also fallen below $3 per gallon for the first time in over four years as of November 30, 2025.

This optimistic forecast extends to South Carolina, where a few dozen stations were already offering gas under $2 per gallon as of December 1, 2025. This number is expected to grow as the holiday season progresses. These low prices can significantly impact the Midlands economic growth, encouraging more local and regional travel and increasing consumer spending in areas like Myrtle Beach.

Market Dynamics and Economic Tailwinds

The falling crude oil prices are a primary contributor to lower pump prices nationwide. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped more than five cents to $3.05 during fall travel. Domestic crude inventories also play a role, impacting pump prices through the fall. The annual transition to winter-grade gasoline further contributes to lower prices, as it allows refiners to use less expensive components to produce gasoline. Record U.S. oil production and strong refinery output are also cited as factors driving down fuel costs.

This market stability, driven by increased supply and efficient production, creates a favorable environment for South Carolina entrepreneurs. Reduced fuel costs mean lower operating expenses for transportation, delivery services, and other businesses, enabling them to allocate resources more effectively and invest in growth. This highlights the benefits of robust energy markets and underscores how limited regulation can foster such positive economic conditions.

A Year of Savings: Precedent for Holiday Cheer

The trend of lower gas prices has been a recurring theme throughout 2025. In Columbia, South Carolina, drivers enjoyed lower gas prices just in time for summer holiday travel, with prices continuing to fall ahead of the 4th of July holiday. As of June 30, 2025, the average price for a gallon of gas in the Palmetto State fell 2.8 cents from the previous week’s average. Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of gas could drop below $3 by September 2025.

This consistent downward trajectory throughout the year provides a strong foundation for current holiday savings. It suggests a resilient market capable of delivering value to consumers and businesses alike, fostering confidence in the broader Richland County economy and beyond. Such predictable, lower costs allow businesses to plan with greater certainty, which is a hallmark of a healthy economic environment.

The plummeting gas prices in South Carolina represent a significant win for both residents and the local economy as the holiday season unfolds. This trend not only makes holiday travel more accessible and affordable but also injects vitality into local businesses, from the bustling shops of Myrtle Beach to the broader South Carolina entrepreneurs driving the state’s economic engine. By allowing individuals and businesses to retain more of their earnings, these favorable market conditions underscore the positive impact of a dynamic marketplace.

We encourage everyone to support Myrtle Beach small business owners and explore all that our community has to offer during this season of savings. Stay engaged with HEREmyrtlebeach.com for ongoing insights into how economic shifts continue to shape our vibrant region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current trend for South Carolina gas prices?

South Carolina gas prices have plummeted ahead of holiday travel, bringing significant relief to drivers as of December 20, 2025.

Are gas prices expected to drop further by Christmas Day?

GasBuddy, a national fuel tracking service, expects prices to dip even further by Christmas Day, projecting the national average will fall to around $2.79 per gallon.

What was the national average gas price expected for Christmas Day?

GasBuddy projects the national average gas price on Christmas Day will hover around $2.79 a gallon, down from $3.00 a year ago, saving U.S. motorists over half a billion dollars during the Christmas travel week compared to 2024.

Have South Carolina gas prices been under $2 per gallon recently?

A few dozen stations in SC were already offering gas under $2 per gallon as of December 1, 2025, and this number could grow as the holiday season progresses.

What factors are contributing to lower gas prices?

Falling crude oil prices contribute to lower pump prices nationwide. The annual transition to winter-grade gasoline also allows refiners to use less expensive components to produce gasoline, further contributing to lower gasoline prices. Additionally, record U.S. oil production and strong refinery output are cited as factors.

Key Features of SC Gas Prices Ahead of Holiday Travel

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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.