The average price of gasoline across South Central Ohio is eight cents cheaper this week at $2.713 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

The Great Lakes and Central region continues showing signs of volatility this week, despite strong regional refinery utilization and strong gasoline stocks. On the week, some states saw prices increase by two cents, but Indiana (-15 cents), Michigan (-12 cents), Illinois (-12 cents) and Ohio (-11 cents) rank as the top four states in the country with the largest declines, and the only to see double-digit dips.

For a third week, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports regional refinery utilization at 97% and a small 328,000-barrel build in gasoline stocks. Total stocks measure at 50 million barrels, which is about 2.2 million fewer than a year ago. This year-over-year deficit may be a factor in the fluctuation in pump prices across the region. However, the overall stock level is strong and keeping most fluctuation moderate.

This week’s average prices: South Central Ohio Average: $2.713

Average price during the week of July 15, 2019 $2.796

Average price during the week of July 23, 2018 $2.680

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:

$2.734 Athens

$2.660 Chillicothe

$2.856 Columbiana

$2.787 East Liverpool

$2.733 Gallipolis

$2.745 Hillsboro

$2.674 Ironton

$2.675 Jackson

$2.707 Logan

$2.710 Marietta

$2.692 Portsmouth

$2.569 Steubenville

$2.733 Washington Court House

$2.753 Waverly

On the National Front

On the week, all but eight states saw gas price averages push cheaper or remain stable. At $2.76, the national gas price average is three cents less expensive than last Monday. This is the first time in four weeks that the national average has seen a weekly decline. Gasoline stocks remain robust amid a recent dip in demand, which could be one reason pump prices are starting to ease after weeks of increases.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate increased by 33 cents to settle at $55.63. Crude prices mostly declined last week after the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that it does not expect oil prices to rise significantly because demand is slowing and there is a glut in global crude markets.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at GasPrices.AAA.com.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 79 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.