According to AAA East Central’s Fuel Gauge Report, South Central Ohio gas prices have risen eight cents, hovering around $2.129 a gallon. The national average is $2.114. South Central Ohio average price last week was $2.054. The average price during the week of April 20, 2015 was $2.436.
On the National Front
Record-high fuel demand, declining refinery production and rising oil costs have pushed the national average price of gas to $2.11 per gallon. Despite the recent increases, pump prices are down 33 cents per gallon compared to this same date last year.
Prices may move higher during the second quarter of the year in select regional markets due to intermittent supply challenges and increased demand for gasoline. The relatively lower price for gasoline is also reportedly prompting more drivers to take to the roads, and the U.S. EIA’s weekly estimates on gasoline consumption are approaching levels typical for the summer months. This increase in driving may put pressure on local gasoline markets and cause prices to move higher if demand outpaces the available supply of gasoline. However, consumers remain poised to benefit from substantial comparative savings as we enter the busy summer driving season, and it is likely that most drivers will pay the cheapest summertime prices in 12 years.
As largely expected, major oil exporters failed to reach an agreement during the much-anticipated meeting between OPEC and non-OPEC countries over the weekend. U.S. domestic production fell to a level unseen since September 2014, and the U.S. oil rig count is at its lowest level since November 2009. At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate was down $1.14 and settled at $40.36 per barrel. Oil prices have dropped even further today due to the news out of Doha, and this could provide some relief for gas prices.
Here is the price per gallon of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:
Athens: $2.171
Chillicothe: $2.080
Columbiana: $2.071
East Liverpool: $2.176
Gallipolis: $2.150
Hillsboro: $2.095
Ironton: $2.147
Jackson: $2.136
Logan: $2.135
Marietta: $2.132
Portsmouth: $2.108
Steubenville: $2.138
Washington Court House: $2.104
Waverly: $2.157
