Gas prices across the Carolinas have been fluctuating throughout October, but have been steadily dropping as of late. At $2.67 in North Carolina, gas prices are the lowest they’ve been since Mid-September. South Carolina’s $2.52 average (one of the top ten cheapest in the nation) hasn’t been this low since August. But, the cheaper gas prices may just be a temporary treat for motorists.

Just like the outside temperature, motorists are seeing gas prices cool off. The last few weeks saw peak refinery maintenance season start to wrap-up and push less expensive gas prices, but the lower prices are not likely to be a long-term trend,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA spokesperson. “AAA expects that gas prices will likely start to increase as early as later this week ahead of the Nov. 4 Iran sanctions announcement and the mid-term elections.”

How expensive gas prices will be depends on how the market reacts to the early November events. However, motorists are not likely to pay summer prices this winter.