People headed out to do some leaf peeping this fall will notice not only the colorful landscape but also the lower gas prices.

After Sept. 15, federal regulators allow gas stations to make the switch from the more-expensive summer blend to the less-expensive winter blend.

The switch is usually gradual – stations transition depending on their inventory and the supply chain.

There are two primary reasons that winter blend gasoline is less expensive, according to AAA.

The additives in winter blend are cheaper than those in summer blend and because there is less demand than during the summer vacation season.

“Now that much of the nation has begun the transition to cheaper winter gasoline and with driving demand seasonally tapering off as temperatures dip, gas prices face additional downward pressure. We’re still on track to potentially see the national average fall below $3 per gallon for the first time in years this autumn,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

The national average today, Monday, Sept. 22, according to GasBuddy, is $3.14 a gallon.

The average price in the Harrisburg area is 1.4 cents a gallon lower than last week and stands at $3.22.

Although the average prices are not yet under $3, motorists can find gas for that price point now.

The cheapest price in the Harrisburg area, according to GasBuddy price reports by users, is $2.92 a gallon today at Giant in Hampden Twp. Three locations have gas for $2.97 a gallon – Highland Mart in Highspire, Dr. K’s Food Mart in Highspire and B.J.’s Wholesale Club in Lower Allen Twp.