Gas prices in South Central Ohio fell by almost eight cents this week to $2.315 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

Gas prices across much of the region have seen a mixed bag of increases and decreases this week. At the moment, prices moderately increased in some parts of the region which can likely be attributed to refinery maintenance and the steady decline in gasoline inventories. Statewide, Ohio’s average price ($2.32) is down by about seven cents over the week and is on the list of the top 15 least expensive averages in the country.

According to the latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, regional refineries are running at less than 85 percent capacity and gasoline inventories are at a nearly 3.5 million barrel deficit compared to this same time last year.

This week’s average prices: South Central Ohio Average $2.315

Average price during the week of Oct. 16, 2017 $2.392

Average price during the week of Oct. 24, 2016 $2.098

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

$2.414 Athens

$2.223 Chillicothe

$2.176 Columbiana

$2.376 East Liverpool

$2.364 Gallipolis

$2.341 Hillsboro

$2.259 Ironton

$2.337 Jackson

$2.294 Logan

$2.284 Marietta

$2.322 Portsmouth

$2.397 Steubenville

$2.302 Washington Court House

$2.319 Waverly

On the National Front

The average price at the pump has fallen for 15 of the last 20 days, for a total savings of seven cents per gallon. The national average currently sits at $2.46 per gallon, which is one cent less than one week ago, 12 cents less than one month ago and 24 cents more year-over-year. The national average is down 17 cents per gallon versus the 2017 peak price reached in September ($2.67).

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate increased 18 cents to settle at $51.47. As the week progresses, the oil market appears poised to continue making gains. Last week’s EIA report noted a drop in crude inventories by 5.7 million barrels. The decrease is likely due to crude exports increasing to 1.8 million barrels per day, according to EIA. Moreover, as expected, crude oil demand in the U.S. is down by 1 million b/d from last year, while total crude inputs at U.S. refineries dropped by 819,000 b/d.

Additionally, the U.S. rig count fell by seven, with the latest decline leaving 736 rigs active in the U.S., according to Baker Hughes, Inc. All of this data points toward weak domestic demand and decreased production of crude. As domestic crude demand slows, the ability to sell crude outside of U.S. markets through exports has helped push the price higher.

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.