The average price of regular gasoline in Lockport added nearly five cents over the week to an average of $2.883 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s weekly Gas Price Report.
On the week, New York’s gas price average is inching toward the $3 mark (+2, $2.95). In the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region, gas prices moderately increased on the week with the largest jump of four cents in Washington, D.C.
Gasoline inventories grew by a substantial 1.3 million barrels on the week, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). At 62 million barrels total, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast inventories are at their highest levels in nearly two months.
This week’s average price for Lockport: $2.883
Average price during the week of April 30, 2018: $2.838
Average price during the week of May 8, 2017: $2.424
On the National Front
At $2.81, the national gas price average is 45 cents more expensive than a year ago. However, after weeks of increases, the national average held steady and 19 state averages remained flat or saw decreases. Prices could continue to rise as the summer driving season approaches, unofficially kicking-off Memorial Day weekend.
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, West Texas Intermediate increased $1.29 cents to settle at $69.72 – a new high for the year. EIA’s weekly petroleum status report noted that U.S. crude production hit another record high at 10.62 million barrels-per-day. The growth in production occurred alongside growth in crude inventories, which grew by 6.2 million barrels last week. At 436 million, inventories are nearly 92 million barrels lower than they were at this time last year.
Domestic crude production will likely see continued growth through 2018 – supported by a steady increase in active oil rigs. Baker Hughes, Inc. reported that last week, the U.S. added nine rigs, placing the total at 834. The total rig count is now 131 more than the figure at the same time last year.
Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at GasPrices.AAA.com.
AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 80 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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