CINCINNATI— The national average for a gallon of gasoline rose a nickel over the past week to hit $3.32, as the climbing cost of crude oil continues to pump up gas prices. Crude oil is now closing daily above $80 a barrel, up 30% since August and twice what it was last year at this time.
“Compared to the price of gas a year ago, it now costs consumers about $17 more to fill up their vehicles,” says Kara Hitchens, spokesperson for AAA. “And unfortunately, it doesn’t look like drivers will be finding relief at the pump any time soon.
“In fact, Ohio’s gas price average was #1 in the top 10 weekly increases,” Hitchens added.
With oil prices remaining elevated, pump prices will follow suit because the cost of crude oil accounts for more than half of the price of each gallon of gas.
Today’s national average of $3.32 is 13 cents more than a month ago, $1.16 more than a year ago, and 67 cents more than in 2019.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), last week’s total domestic gasoline supply fell by 2 million bbl to 223.1 million bbl. Gasoline demand also fell from 9.43 million b/d to 9.19 million b/d, but the agency calculates it is still some 610,000 b/d above last year.
Typically, softening demand should result in some easing of pump prices, but the higher cost for crude is blocking this.
Forecasts from the International Energy Agency for more robust oil demand, especially heating oil this winter, are also keeping crude oil prices elevated.
Quick stats
The nation’s top 10 largest weekly increases: Ohio (+15 cents), Alabama (+13 cents), Connecticut (+11 cents), West Virginia (+11 cents), Maine (+10 cents), Tennessee (+10 cents), Vermont (+10 cents), New Hampshire (+10 cents), Virginia (+10 cents), and Rhode Island (+9 cents).
The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets: California ($4.49), Hawaii ($4.18), Nevada ($3.88), Washington ($3.86), Oregon ($3.76), Idaho ($3.71), Alaska ($3.70), Utah ($3.70), Washington, D.C. ($3.54) and Colorado ($3.52).
Market dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 97 cents to settle at $82.28. Crude prices increased last week despite the EIA reporting that total domestic crude inventories increased by 6.1 million bbl to 427 million bbl last week.
The current storage level is nearly 13 percent lower than the level at this same time last year. Given supply concerns, the market continues to bolster prices higher because of tight supply. Prices could climb further this week if EIA’s next report shows a decline in stocks.
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.
