The average price of gasoline across South Central Ohio is 19 cents lower this week at $3.131 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: South Central Ohio average: $3.131; Washington Court House average: $3.138

Average price during the week of December 5, 2022 $3.324

Average price during the week of December 13, 2021 $3.163

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:

$3.231 Athens

$3.049 Chillicothe

$2.861 Columbiana

$3.054 East Liverpool

$3.201 Gallipolis

$3.126 Hillsboro

$3.154 Ironton

$3.314 Jackson

$2.963 Logan

$3.354 Marietta

$3.057 Portsmouth

$2.999 Steubenville

$3.327 Waverly

Trend Analysis:

The national average pump price has dropped another 14 cents over the past week to $3.26, which is 52 cents less than a month ago and six cents less than a year ago. There are now approximately 34 states with averages lower than last year.

This relief comes as Americans drive less and oil prices remain lower. According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand remained low at 8.36 million barrels per day last week, approximately 605,000 barrels per day lower than a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose significantly by 5.3 million barrels to 219.1 million barrels.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate decreased by 44 cents to settle at $71.02. Crude prices softened last week due to a stronger dollar. Additionally, crude prices were pushed down after the EIA reported that total domestic commercial crude stocks fell by 5.2 million barrels, a lower amount than the market expected. The domestic commercial crude supply is 19 million barrels lower than the beginning of December 2021.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at gasprices.aaa.com.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 70 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.