Gas prices in Western Pennsylvania fell by about a penny this week to an average of $2.725 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.
The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) report shows that gasoline supplies in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region dropped 300,000 barrels, which is likely due to growing U.S. exports. Despite the recent declines, overall inventories are up, reaching 17 million barrels as of last week.
This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average: $2.725
Average price during the week of October 16, 2017: $2.736
Average price during the week of October 24, 2016: $2.425
The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:
$2.679 Altoona
$2.740 Beaver
$2.705 Bradford
$2.724 Brookville
$2.758 Butler
$2.740 Clarion
$2.670 Du Bois
$2.691 Erie
$2.759 Greensburg
$2.699 Indiana
$2.791 Jeannette
$2.700 Kittanning
$2.685 Latrobe
$2.751 Meadville
$2.726 Mercer
$2.716 New Castle
$2.735 New Kensington
$2.775 Pittsburgh
$2.687 Sharon
$2.681 Uniontown
$2.760 Warren
$2.778 Washington
On the National Front
The average price at the pump has fallen for 15 of the last 20 days, for a total savings of seven cents per gallon. The national average currently sits at $2.46 per gallon, which is one cent less than one week ago, 12 cents less than one month ago and 24 cents more year-over-year. The national average is down 17 cents per gallon versus the 2017 peak price reached in September ($2.67).
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate increased 18 cents to settle at $51.47. As the week progresses, the oil market appears poised to continue making gains. Last week's EIA report noted a drop in crude inventories by 5.7 million barrels. The decrease is likely due to crude exports increasing to 1.8 million barrels per day, according to EIA. Moreover, as expected, crude oil demand in the U.S. is down by 1 million b/d from last year, while total crude inputs at U.S. refineries dropped by 819,000 b/d.
Additionally, the U.S. rig count fell by 7, with the latest decline leaving 736 rigs active in the U.S., according to Baker Hughes, Inc. All of this data points toward weak domestic demand and decreased production of crude. As domestic crude demand slows, the ability to sell crude outside of U.S. markets through exports has helped push the price higher.
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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