The average price of gasoline across South Central Ohio is five cents lower this week at $3.853 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: South Central Ohio Average: $3.853; Washington Court House Average: $3.772

Average price during the week of April 11, 2022 $3.900

Average price during the week of April 19, 2021 $2.673

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

$4.099 Athens

$3.839 Chillicothe

$3.888 Columbiana

$3.877 East Liverpool

$3.998 Gallipolis

$3.522 Hillsboro

$3.968 Ironton

$3.927 Jackson

$3.639 Logan

$3.898 Marietta

$3.887 Portsmouth

$3.679 Steubenville

$3.948 Waverly

Trend Analysis:

While gas prices have decreased again this week, market concerns remain about the return of seasonal gas demands and higher global oil prices. The war in Ukraine and fear of less Russian oil entering the market caused the price of crude to creep back above $100 a barrel. At the close of Thursday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate increased by $2.70 to settle at $106.95 as the European Union announced they are drafting plans to ban Russian oil imports. This move could potentially tighten global supply as member countries look for new sources for crude oil in an already tight market. Meanwhile, as more places in the U.S. see pump prices fall below $4 a gallon, demand is ticking back up. Domestically, the national average for a gallon of gas has fallen to $4.08. This is 19 cents less than a month ago and $1.21 more than a year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 3.5 million barrels to 233.1 million barrels last week. Gasoline demand increased slightly from 8.5 million barrels per day to 8.73 million barrels per day. Although supply and demand factors would typically support elevated pump prices, the fluctuating oil price continues to be the main factor influencing prices at the pump.

Meanwhile, consumers will enjoy a tasty gas price–related treat courtesy of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. For the next three Wednesdays, Krispy Kreme will lower the price of a dozen Original Glazed donuts to the national average that AAA reports each Monday. The offer runs through Wednesday, May 4th. A dozen glazed doughnuts typically cost around $12. This Wednesday’s dozen should cost $4.08, not including sales tax, only in shop, drive-thru, and online pickup.

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

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 72 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.