Gas prices in West Virginia stayed at $2.568 per gallon this week, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.
Gas prices are increasing across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region. West Virginia’s average price increased by almost a penny.
Despite artic temperatures, there have been no real supply issues in the region since gasoline inventories are ample. With a small build (55,000 barrels), gasoline inventory levels continue to top 58 million barrels. However, the region is at a 7 million bbl. deficit compared to this time last year.
This week’s average prices: Northern WV Average: $2.568
Average price during the week of January 2, 2018: $2.567
Average price during the week of January 9, 2017: $2.467
The following is a list of the average prices in several West Virginia locations:
$2.587 Bridgeport
$2.578 Clarksburg
$2.513 Huntington
$2.648 Martinsburg
$2.515 Morgantown
$2.510 Parkersburg
$2.612 Weirton
$2.584 Wheeling
On the National Front
The national gas price average has held steady at $2.49 for nine straight days. Many motorists across the country are seeing more expensive gas prices on the week, while prices are cheaper for a select few states. Motorists can find gas for $2.50 or less at 64 percent of gas stations nationwide. The cheapest gas can be found in Missouri ($2.23).
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate decreased 57 cents to settle at $61.44.
Although the market dropped slightly last week, end of the year gains were significant according to the EIA. Among the 2017 U.S. crude highlights were:
- Crude oil prices at the end of the year were the highest year-end prices since 2013;
- U.S. crude production increased by more than 384,000 b/d to 9.2 million b/d (based on confirmed data through September 2017); and
- Crude oil exports averaged 1 million b/d through October 2017 – a record high and increase of 445,000 b/d from the 2016 average.
These facts have given the market greater optimism about the potential of prices continuing to climb in 2018, as OPEC’s agreement to reduce production will remain in effect through the end of this year and will help to restrain growing inventories. However, growing U.S. production amid higher global demand growth has given some pause to these optimistic market observations. U.S. production rates in coming months will give a clearer picture.
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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