News Summary
As spring approaches, Hilton Head Island experiences a surge in gas prices driven by increased tourism. Despite lower prices in South Carolina, local prices range from $2.89 to $3.09 per gallon, influenced by high demand and limited competition among gas stations. Visitors are advised to plan fuel stops strategically to find better rates in nearby locations. Upcoming changes to summer-blend fuel may also affect prices as the season progresses.
Hilton Head Island Sees Gas Price Surge Ahead of Spring Travel
As the spring travel season approaches, vacationers are flocking to Hilton Head Island, causing a noticeable spike in gas prices. Despite South Carolina typically having lower fuel costs than its neighboring states, Hilton Head Island’s prices remain elevated due to high tourism demand and limited competition.
Current Gas Price Overview:
- National average gas price: $3.20 per gallon (as of April 14)
- South Carolina average gas price: $2.80 per gallon
- Beaufort County average gas price: $3.00 per gallon
- Hilton Head Island gas prices: Between $2.89 and $3.09 per gallon
Cheaper Fuel Options on Hilton Head Island:
- Parker’s: $2.88 (436 William Hilton Parkway)
- Speedway: $2.89 (421 William Hilton Parkway)
More Affordable Choices in Bluffton:
- Enmarket: $2.69 (501 Island West Park)
- Enmarket: $2.97 (1010 Fording Island Road)
- Parker’s: $2.99 (469 Buckwalter Parkway)
Also, the Circle K at 574 Independence Boulevard near Interstate 95, Exit 8, offers gas for $2.89 per gallon. The highest gas price on Hilton Head Island this month is $3.09, found at the Exxon station located at 651 William Hilton Parkway.
Travel Tips for Visitors:
Visitors coming from neighboring states are encouraged to strategically plan their fuel stops. Here are some recommendations for lower gas prices based on location:
- North Carolina: Fayetteville is cheaper than Raleigh and Wilmington
- Tennessee: Augusta, Georgia, offers competitive prices
- Georgia: Savannah generally has lower prices than Hilton Head
- Florida: Jacksonville provides lower rates; Brunswick and Savannah are also economical
Membership retailers such as Sam’s Club and Costco might provide additional discounts, with Bluffton Sam’s Club prices currently at $2.99 per gallon.
Factors Affecting Local Gas Prices:
Hilton Head’s inflated fuel prices can largely be attributed to:
- Year-round tourist demand
- Limited competition among gas stations
- Proximity to highways, making convenience a priority over cost
Gas prices have increased by 13 cents per gallon since last month but are down nearly 40 cents from the previous year. Upcoming changes to summer-blend fuel may cause further price increases, expected mid-to-late April.
To find the best deals on fuel, travelers can utilize apps like GasBuddy, Google Maps, and Waze.
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Additional Resources
- AOL: Avoid Pumped Prices on Hilton Head
- Wikipedia: Gasoline
- Stacker: Greenville Gas Prices Change
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Petroleum
- Live 5 News: Hilton Head St. Patrick’s Day Parade Cancelled
- Google Search: Hilton Head gas prices
- Stacker: Charleston Gas Prices Change
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
