Gas prices continued their downward trend this week in South Central Ohio, falling by nine cents over the week to $2.333 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

For a second straight week, the Midwest and Central states are seeing some of the largest declines in gas prices and some of the cheapest gas in the country. In addition to experiencing one of the largest decreases over the week, Ohio has the least expensive gasoline average in the country today ($2.27).

Gasoline inventories jumped 1.3 million barrels in the Great Lakes and Central states – the largest of any region in the country – which contributes to the drop in gas prices. The only other region to see a build on the week was the West Coast, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

This week’s average prices: South Central Ohio Average $2.333

Average price during the week of Sept. 18, 2017 $2.426

Average price during the week of Sept. 26, 2016 $2.079

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

$2.462 Athens

$2.137 Chillicothe

$2.300 Columbiana

$2.420 East Liverpool

$2.486 Gallipolis

$2.231 Hillsboro

$2.365 Ironton

$2.388 Jackson

$2.333 Logan

$2.412 Marietta

$2.396 Portsmouth

$2.275 Steubenville

$2.174 Washington Court House

$2.286 Waverly

On the National Front

One month after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, motorists are finally seeing consistent declines in gas prices. At $2.57, today’s national average is five cents less than a week ago, 22 cents more expensive than a month ago, and 36 cents more than a year ago.

According to the Department of Energy, Gulf Coast refinery operations were up nearly 10 percent for the week ending September 15. Overall, 10 refineries are operating at reduced rates, while three remain shut down. In addition, the Colonial Pipeline remains on about a seven-day gasoline delivery delay, but they estimate that by the end of the month the pipeline will be returning to normal deliveries.

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. News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.