The national average price for a gallon of gas has dropped below $4 for the first time since the war with Iran began, offering some relief to drivers across the country. The decline follows a peace agreement between the United States and Iran that eased concerns about oil supply shortages. But while prices at the pump are beginning to fall, experts say consumers should not expect immediate relief on other expenses tied to fuel costs. At Dos Hermanos Tacos near Drexel University in Philadelphia, owner Gabriel Lecama said operating expenses remain high despite the recent drop in gas prices. “The price on just produce, papers, it’s crazy!” Lecama said. Lecama said he is trying not to pass those higher costs on to customers but fuel, produce and supply expenses continue to put pressure on the business. Eliezer Fich, a trustee professor of finance at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, said higher fuel costs from recent months are still working their way through the supply chain. “At grocery stores, the prices move even slower because they operate on long term contracts. So it’s going to take months for energy shock to affect the cost of a gallon of milk, bread, etc.,” Fich said. Fich said the recent decline in gas prices is encouraging but cautioned that significant reductions could take time. “We’ve seen some relief right now which is encouraging, but it’s going to take a long time before we see, you know, $2 and change at gas stations,” Fich said. According to gas price data cited in the report, the average price for a gallon of gas in Philadelphia is $4.14. In South Jersey and Delaware, average prices are already below $4 per gallon. Drivers may still see significant price differences depending on where they fill up. One Sunoco station at Broad Street and Windrim Avenue was selling gas for $5.39 per gallon, while another station about five minutes away at Broad Street and Godfrey Avenue was charging $3.99. Lauren Norris, a mother of four who said she fills up her vehicle at least twice a week, said she shops around for the lowest prices. “So I will drive around looking for who has the cheapest gas,” Norris said. Even with prices dipping below $4 in some places, Norris said she is still waiting for costs to return to what feels normal. Asked what gas price would make her feel like things were back to normal, Norris replied: “Three dollars even.” This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less