Menu More MORE
AAA
Roadside... Roadside Assistance

Northern WV Gas Price Drops amid Ongoing Surplus

West Virginia, Gas Prices

Gas prices in the northern counties of West Virginia dropped three cents this week to an average of $2.325 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. 

States in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast saw moderate changes in gas prices on the week.  Only Washington, D.C. and Maine saw prices increase, albeit by one cent, while six states saw prices drop.  The week’s modest price changes are in line with the region’s modest gasoline stock build.  Stockpiles in the region measure at 66.2 million barrels, which is nearly 6 million fewer than this time last year, according to the EIA.

This week’s average prices: Northern WV Average                $2.325
Average price during the week of July 10, 2017                      $2.354
Average price during the week of July 18, 2016                      $2.243

The following is a list of the average prices in several West Virginia locations:

$2.450      Bridgeport
$2.346      Clarksburg
$2.276      Huntington
$2.394      Martinsburg
$2.292      Morgantown
$2.338      Parkersburg
$2.261      Weirton
$2.245      Wheeling

On the National Front
At $2.25, the national gas price average is just one cent cheaper than a week ago, five cents less than a month ago, and four cents more than a year ago.  Nationwide, last week was close to all-time high levels and continues to keep pace with summer 2016 levels.   According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline stocks are approximately 4 million barrels below this time last year.

After last week’s strong finish, West Texas Intermediate appears poised to continue making gains – opening near $47 per barrel today.  The market has been trending upward slightly after EIA’s most recent weekly report showed that for the week ending on July 7, crude oil inventories dropped below 500 million barrels for the first time since late January.  Moreover, total inventories of crude are just 4.4 million barrels more than last year, showing that the surplus is draining – albeit rather slowly.  This news seems to have given the market some hope for the continuing decline of the glut of crude that has been suppressing prices this summer.  Market observers will look at this week’s EIA report to see if the trend continues.

With U.S. oil production still growing and rising output from OPEC countries that are exempt from its production reduction agreement, OPEC’s efforts to rebalance the global oil market could be thwarted.  An OPEC and non-OPEC committee meets in St. Petersburg, Russia on July 24 to discuss the status of the agreement and potential next steps to deepen its impact.  As the rebalance waiting game continues, drivers are likely to continue benefitting at the pump with cheaper summer gas prices.

Motorists 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.  Past news releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

For More Information, Contact:
Jim Garrity, Public & Community Relations Manager
Desk: 412-365-7274 / Cell: 412-905-9021 / Email: Garrity.James@aaaec.com

-AAA-

CST 1016202-80 Copyright © AAA East Central. All Rights Reserved.
AAA East Central is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.