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Bucking the National Trend, South Central Ohio Gas Prices Drop

Ohio, Gas Prices
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Gas prices in South Central Ohio fell by almost five cents this week to average at $2.292 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. 

Drivers in the Great Lakes region were some of the only people in the nation to see drops at the pump this week, including Ohio (-7 cents).  The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) report shows Midwest gasoline inventories dropped 1.2 million barrels to 51.6 million last week.  The current inventory levels are in pace with this same period last year and are about 2 million barrels above the five-year average.  

This week’s average prices: South Central Ohio Average: $2.292
Average price during the week of July 31, 2017: $2.338
Average price during the week of August 8, 2016: $2.113

Here is the price per gallon of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:

$2.398       Athens
$2.209       Chillicothe
$2.282       Columbiana
$2.250       East Liverpool
$2.381       Gallipolis
$2.293       Hillsboro
$2.291       Ironton
$2.346       Jackson
$2.247       Logan
$2.218       Marietta
$2.316       Portsmouth
$2.318       Steubenville
$2.180       Washington Court House
$2.354       Waverly

On the National Front
Today’s national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.35 per gallon, which is three cents more than last week, nine cents more than one month ago, and 23 cents more than at the same time last year.  The latest EIA report shows gasoline demand reached a new weekly record of 9.8 million b/d.  The 2017 demand average over the past four-weeks is about one percent ahead of the same four-week period last year.  With summer demand running full steam ahead, drivers can expect prices to continue rising.

After briefly pushing above the $50 benchmark last week and then dropping down, the price per barrel for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) once again appears poised to push above $50 after increasing 55 cents to settle at $49.58 on Friday.  With market observers watching crude storage levels to see if they decline, this week’s EIA report was welcomed news since it showed that they had reached their lowest point this year at 481.9 million bbl.  However, last week's excitement was tempered by total crude storage remaining at approximately 70 million bbl ahead of the five-year average. 

EIA’s report also showed an increase in domestic crude oil output to 9.43 million b/d last week, making it clear that the glut of crude will not disappear easily.  On the other side, according to Baker Hughes, Inc., the U.S. lost one oil rig last week, bringing down the total number of active rigs to 765.  The modest decline may be an indicator of investment in offshore drilling leveling out for the year. 

Drivers 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.