Gas prices in South Central Ohio are up by four cents this week at $2.801 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

Unlike most of the country, state gas price averages in the Great Lakes and Central region continue to trend more expensive (Ohio, +2). Overall, the increase in gas prices can be attributed to a few factors, including planned and unplanned maintenance at half a dozen refineries in the region and inventory levels. Total inventory in the region sits at 52.3 million barrels according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Despite being on par with levels this time last year, this is one of the lowest levels seen since Memorial Day Weekend this year.

This week’s average prices: South Central Ohio Average: $2.801

Average price during the week of Sept. 17, 2018 $2.762

Average price during the week of Sept. 25, 2017 $2.333

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

$2.935 Athens

$2.828 Chillicothe

$2.706 Columbiana

$2.744 East Liverpool

$2.706 Gallipolis

$2.739 Hillsboro

$2.784 Ironton

$2.907 Jackson

$2.766 Logan

$2.735 Marietta

$2.732 Portsmouth

$2.820 Steubenville

$2.879 Washington Court House

$2.937 Waverly

On the National Front

Motorists in 32 states are welcoming cheaper or stable gas prices at the start of the workweek. Today’s national gas price average is $2.85, which is the same price as last Monday, one-cent more than last month and 27-cents more expensive than this time last year.

The latest EIA data reports that both U.S. gasoline demand and stocks declined signaling supply and demand are in sync post-summertime. This is true for most regions, except in the Great Lakes and Central region where prices are increasing due to maintenance at a handful of refineries.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, the WTI increased 46 cents to settle at $70.78. Oil prices jumped higher last week after EIA’s report showed another decline in oil inventories, which now sit at 394.1 million bbl. The supply drop from the previous week’s 396.2 million barrel has put another spotlight on limited global supply as fall approaches. If EIA’s report this week shows another decrease in domestic crude stocks, oil prices are likely to continue their ascent amid continuing global supply concerns.

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

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 80 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.