Relief at the Pump: Grand Junction Drivers See Gas Prices Dip

Good news is rare enough these days, so here’s one for the road: gas prices in Grand Junction are heading down — and drivers aren’t complaining.

Summer Prices Hit a New Low

This week, the average price for a gallon of regular in Grand Junction sits at $3.22. Last summer? That same gallon cost you $3.31. It’s not pennies, but it’s something — especially with folks gearing up for road trips, fireworks, and family barbecues.

One sentence here: Even a dime’s difference adds up when you’re filling the SUV.

Skyler McKinley with AAA The Auto Club says Western Slope drivers have it good compared to other parts of Colorado. Hit the pumps eastbound on I-70 near Vail, and you’ll get sticker shock. Those mountain prices can soar to the highest in the state.

Fill Up Smart Before the Fourth

Independence Day is a travel holiday like few others. Thousands will hit the road this weekend — which means prices tend to inch up a bit before the fireworks light up the sky.

McKinley has some advice: top off the tank before you pack the cooler. Better yet, don’t push your luck.

He says people underestimate how easy it is to run dry: “Last year AAA responded to about 700,000 calls for service over the July Fourth holiday nationwide. A good chunk of those calls were folks running out of gas.”

One line here: That’s not how you want your freedom weekend to end.

Cheap Gas Depends on Where You Pump

You’d think gas is gas, but location can change everything. Western Colorado’s supply chain is different from Denver’s. Higher transport costs, fewer refineries nearby — it all hits your wallet.

Here’s a quick look at what drivers pay around the state this week:

Region	Average Price Per Gallon
Grand Junction	$3.22
Denver Metro	$3.15
I-70 Near Vail	$3.69
Southern Colorado	$3.18

So, if you’re heading up to the mountains, fill up before you leave town. That extra 40 cents a gallon stings when you’re hauling the family camper.

Why Are Prices Dropping Anyway?

It’s a mix of old and new factors. Nationwide supply is up. Fewer refinery issues this year. Global oil markets haven’t thrown any wild curveballs lately — though that could change in a heartbeat if trouble flares overseas.

One sentence here: For now, it’s steady as she goes.

Energy analysts say drivers can probably expect this gentle downward trend to last through Labor Day — barring any geopolitical surprises. That’s a big if.

Roadside Tips from the Pros

So, how do you keep that gas bill from burning a hole in your pocket? McKinley’s been at this long enough to know people forget the basics.

Here’s what AAA says helps the most:

Don’t wait until your tank’s empty — fill up at half a tank, especially on mountain drives.
Check tire pressure — underinflated tires burn more fuel.
Keep your car’s air filter clean.
Skip the rooftop cargo box if you can — it kills fuel efficiency.
Drive the speed limit — every extra mile per hour drags your MPG down.

Fourth of July Calls Always Spike

AAA knows the Fourth is a prime time for breakdowns. Dead batteries, flat tires, overheated engines — they’re all on the menu when highways get crowded.

One local tow truck driver says it’s always the same story. “People pack the car, forget to check the tires, figure they’ll ‘make it’ on half a tank,” he says. “Next thing you know, they’re stuck on the shoulder.”

One line here: Not exactly the backyard fireworks you want.

Keep an Eye on the Big Picture

There’s a wild card nobody can predict — the Middle East. Tensions in the region are always on the radar for oil markets. Should conflicts spread or new supply threats pop up, prices could spike overnight.

Skyler McKinley doesn’t sugarcoat it. “If things get worse overseas, all bets are off,” he says. But for now, that threat remains just that — a possibility.