Gas prices in South Central Ohio dropped a nickel this week to $2.526 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

Gas prices in the Great Lakes and Central states continue to see volatility across the region. Motorists in Ohio were amongst the nation’s top 10 states with the largest weekly changes and are paying 10 cents less on the week, while the remaining states in the region saw modest price jumps.

At 44.5 million bbl, the Great Lakes and Central region has seen gasoline inventories decline for six weeks straight and register at the lowest level since mid-November 2014.

This week’s average prices: South Central Ohio Average $2.526

Average price during the week of Nov. 6, 2017 $2.575

Average price during the week of Nov. 14, 2016 $2.025

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

$2.698 Athens

$2.446 Chillicothe

$2.389 Columbiana

$2.585 East Liverpool

$2.468 Gallipolis

$2.502 Hillsboro

$2.549 Ironton

$2.593 Jackson

$2.575 Logan

$2.474 Marietta

$2.536 Portsmouth

$2.515 Steubenville

$2.492 Washington Court House

$2.547 Waverly

On the National Front

On the week, gas prices increased for the majority of states across the country, and at $2.56, the national gas price average has increased nine cents inside of 13 days. Strong fall consumer gasoline demand has continued into November and is chipping away at national gasoline inventory. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports total gasoline inventories dropped by 3.3 million bbl in their latest report.

International markets opened Monday morning posting crude oil losses amid reports of the U.S. adding oil rigs that indicate increased U.S. investment and oil production. Oil-services firm Baker Hughes reported that drillers added nine rigs last week – the biggest increase since June of this year – bringing the total crude oil rig count to 738. The increased U.S. production continues to dilute OPEC’s efforts to rebalance the global oil market.

At the closing of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate was down 43 cents to settle at $56.74 per barrel.

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 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.