According to AAA, gas prices decreased by about three cents. The national average is $2.290. This week’s South Central Ohio average price was $2.285 and the average price during the week of Sept. 21, 2015 was $2.313. Average price during the week of September 28, 2014 was $3.348.
On the National Front
National average fuel prices stabilized Monday, following 37 days of consecutive declining prices.
Despite this plateau, drivers are continuing to save 20 cents, on average, month-to-month, thanks to lower crude oil prices, declining domestic demand and the switch to winter-blend fuels. However, heavier refinery maintenance scheduled for this fall, may cause prices to remain steady and possibly rise as maintenance occurs.
The market’s current oversupply is expected to keep prices relatively low even during maintenance work, and five states (Mississippi, South Carolina, New Jersey, Alabama and Tennessee) are averaging less than $2/gallon.
Uncertainty regarding global oil demand continues to impact crude prices. Both Brent and West Texas Intermediate opened Monday’s trading with losses. Additional uncertainty comes as China, which accounts for 12 percent of global oil demand, announces plans for a national cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions. Although the effects of this on the global market are unknown, less demand for oil may exacerbate the market’s current oversupply and place a ceiling on global oil prices.
Supply and demand are expected to heavily influence oil prices in North America, as declines of oil rig counts are reported. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, sustained low oil prices could indicate a reduction in investment in exploration and production activities.
South Central Ohio Area Prices
Here is the price per gallon of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:
$2.318
Athens
$2.296
Chillicothe
$2.218
Columbiana
$2.209
East Liverpool
$2.275
Gallipolis
$2.267
Hillsboro
$2.290
Ironton
$2.289
Jackson
$2.299
Logan
$2.204
Marietta
$2.330
Portsmouth
$2.324
Steubenville
$2.305
Washington Court House
$2.366
Waverly
