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West Virginia Motorists Drive into 2018 Paying More at the Pump

West Virginia, Gas Prices
Old gas pump by Andrew Taylor
Photo by Andrew Taylor https://www.flickr.com/photos/profilerehab/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Gas prices in West Virginia rose by four cents this week to $2.567 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. 

Gas prices are $2.50 or more in 11 Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states, including Pennsylvania ($2.74).  Motorists in every state in this region are paying more on the week.  Gasoline inventories sit at 59.2 million barrels, and saw a small increase on the week (335,000 barrels).

This week’s average prices: Northern WV Average:  $2.567
Average price during the week of December 26, 2017: $2.530
Average price during the week of January 3, 2017: $2.394

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

$2.594      Bridgeport
$2.594      Clarksburg
$2.554      Huntington
$2.640      Martinsburg
$2.502      Morgantown
$2.546      Parkersburg
$2.571      Weirton
$2.537      Wheeling

On the National Front
At $2.49, the national gas price average is the most expensive seen at the start of a new year since 2014, when gas prices were more than $3/gallon.  High travel volumes over the holidays drove gas prices up five cents on the week.  At the start of 2018, motorists in the Northeast, South and the upper Midwest are seeing pump prices as much as 13 cents more expensive than one week ago.

The latest Energy Information Administration report measures gasoline demand at a strong 9.5 million b/d, which is typical of the holiday season.  However, historical data shows that in early January demand typical drops and stays below the 9 million mark for the first few months of the year.

On Friday, the final day of trading for 2017, West Texas Intermediate closed 58 cents up, reaching its highest price of the year: $60.42 per barrel.  Moving into 2018, prices are expected to continue rising as OPEC’s production reduction agreement will remain in place for the entirety of the year.

In 2018, U.S. crude production is expected to hit 10 million b/d for the first time ever, helping the country to meet domestic demand and expand its export prowess to countries that have growing energy demands around the globe.  The total number of active rigs, 747, is 222 more than the total active number of rigs at the beginning of 2017. 

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.  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

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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.