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WV Gas Prices Rise, National Average Hits Six Week High

West Virginia, Gas Prices
Dollar Bills Photo by Tom Bullock
Photo by Tom Bullock https://www.flickr.com/photos/tombullock/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Gas prices in the northern counties of West Virginia rose four cents this week to an average of $2.350 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. 

Gas prices across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region continue to join the pack of most expensive states in the country.  Gasoline stocks decreased by 2.1 million barrels last week, according to the latest EIA report.  That decline puts total supplies on hand more than 10 million barrels lower than levels this time last year.  Tighter supplies and growing demand have put pressure on gas prices, leading to increases throughout the region. 

This week’s average prices: Northern WV Average: $2.350
Average price during the week of July 24, 2017: $2.314
Average price during the week of August 1, 2016: $2.129

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

$2.341      Bridgeport
$2.329      Clarksburg
$2.365      Huntington
$2.454      Martinsburg
$2.342      Morgantown
$2.382      Parkersburg
$2.299      Weirton
$2.287      Wheeling

On the National Front
Today’s national average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.32.  The national average is at its highest price since June 15 and has now increased for 12 of the last 15 days.  Pump prices in 47 states and Washington D.C. moved higher on the week, resulting from strong demand, rising exports and declining U.S. crude oil inventory levels.

The price per barrel of crude continues to push higher, with West Texas Intermediate approaching the $50 line on Monday after increasing 67 cents to hit $49.71 on Friday.  The rally comes amid news that OPEC and non-OPEC nations will meet next week to focus on why some countries participating in the production cut agreement, which is in place until the end of March 2018, are failing to meet their agreed targets.  Compliance has become a major issue for the agreement, as rising production from OPEC and non-OPEC member countries has prevented the agreement from having a larger impact on rebalancing the global market. 

EIA reported a 7.2 million barrel drop in U.S. crude inventories for the week ending on July 21 – a much higher number than expected.  However, according to Baker Hughes, Inc.’s latest rig count, the U.S. added 2 oil rigs, bringing the record-high total to 766.  All of the news has given investors mixed signals on where the market is heading, putting greater pressure on OPEC to enhance compliance and reduce exports.  The needle may move in favor of higher crude prices this week, which will contribute to rising gas prices.  If crude prices continue to push upward, drivers are likely to see it reflected at the pump.

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

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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.