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Western PA Gas Prices Drop as Supply Outpaces Demand

Pennsylvania, Gas Prices
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Gas prices in Western Pennsylvania fell by two cents this week to $2.686 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

On the National Front
Slowly, but steadily, national gas prices have dropped for seven consecutive days.  Today’s national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.35 per gallon, which is four cents less than one week and one month ago, but 14 cents more than the same date last year.  Last week, 46 states saw prices drop – some by at least 9 cents – with prices remaining steady in other parts of the country. The trending decline is due to an unseasonable glut of gasoline in the U.S. market, record high refinery production rates, moderate demand, and a recent drop in crude oil prices.

Like most parts of the country, drivers in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast are seeing regional gasoline supplies surpass demand.  Pennsylvania ($2.64) held its place on the list of the country’s top 10 most expensive markets.  Other states saw prices remain stable or experienced small fluctuation.  Pennsylvania is also on the list of the 10 largest yearly increases in gas prices (21 cents higher in the last year.)

On Monday morning, U.S. petroleum futures were below $50 per barrel, but they have gained slightly after encouraging remarks from the Russian and Saudi Arabian energy ministers over the weekend.  The energy ministers stated that there is budding consensus to extend production cuts beyond the June 30 deadline and into 2018, signaling that OPEC and non-OPEC producers are willing to take necessary steps to rebalance the market.  The U.S. rig count is now up a whopping 375 oil rigs when compared to last year’s count at this time.  Continued increases in the supply and exploration of crude will certainly counter OPEC’s efforts to rebalance the market.  Only time will tell if supply restrictions and rising demand will shorten the oversupply – and ultimately lead to higher retail prices at the pump. 

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average         $2.686
Average price during the week of May 1, 2017                                  $2.708
Average price during the week of May 9, 2016                                  $2.416

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

$2.692      Altoona

$2.711      Beaver

$2.695      Bradford

$2.750      Brookville

$2.654      Butler

$2.704      Clarion

$2.600      Du Bois

$2.626      Erie

$2.728      Greensburg

$2.690      Indiana

$2.779      Jeannette

$2.721      Kittanning

$2.735      Latrobe

$2.685      Meadville

$2.759      Mercer

$2.620      New Castle

$2.748      New Kensington

$2.717      Pittsburgh

$2.473      Sharon

$2.671      Uniontown

$2.705      Warren

$2.637      Washington


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 Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Kentucky serving more than 2.7 million members.

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.