Gas prices in South Central Ohio jumped by eight cents this week to $2.358 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

Gasoline supply and demand in the Great Lakes and Central States were volatile in May, sending gasoline prices on a roller coaster ride throughout the month. The trend continues into June. While the region saw a moderate level of gasoline inventory draws last week, it appears demand is not consistent and this is causing fluctuation across the region.

In the region, three states are seeing gas prices increase as much as seven cents on the week, including Ohio (+6 cents). A week ago, prices in Ohio dropped by about eight cents – however compared to one month ago, the Buckeye state is paying 12 cents more at the pump on average.

This week’s average prices: South Central Ohio Average $2.358

Average price during the week of May 30, 2017 $2.272

Average price during the week of June 6, 2016 $2.604

Here is the price per gallon of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:

$2.413 Athens

$2.400 Chillicothe

$2.303 Columbiana

$2.273 East Liverpool

$2.225 Gallipolis

$2.345 Hillsboro

$2.492 Ironton

$2.357 Jackson

$2.428 Logan

$2.195 Marietta

$2.470 Portsmouth

$2.234 Steubenville

$2.380 Washington Court House

$2.497 Waverly

On the National Front

Gas prices have fallen moderately in most states following a week of all-time high gasoline demand. The price of a gallon of gasoline increased one cent this week to $2.38 from last week; however, the price at the pump in 30 states has fallen as much as four cents. The moderate decline in gasoline prices is typical following a long holiday weekend. Historically, the first three weeks of June generally can indicate whether consumers will sustain gasoline demand into summer months. Today’s national average is two cents more than both a month and year ago.

The EIA report for the week ending on May 26th showed some encouraging trends related to gasoline demand. It came in at a record of 9.822 million barrels per day– 7,000 ahead of the previous record from last June. However, the report also showed strong refinery output rates. Therefore, instead of diminishing existing stocks of gasoline to meet demand, refineries are continuing to replenish the gasoline they have in storage with newly produced gasoline. The result is that storage levels still remain high, so refineries can pull stocks from storage to meet higher driver demand without needing more oil to produce higher levels of gasoline.

Moreover, oil production continues to grow in the US. Record-breaking amounts of oil exploration in the US will continue to increase crude inventories. Only time will tell if growing demand for refined products, like gasoline, will begin to chip away at global crude inventories, increasing prices per barrel – which could lead drivers to pay more at the pump.

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at [AAA.com/mobile]AAA.com/mobile.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 81 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. Past news releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.