38 F
Clarksville
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsAAA reports National Gas Price Average Rises to Pre-Pandemic Levels even though...

AAA reports National Gas Price Average Rises to Pre-Pandemic Levels even though Demand Drops

AAAWashington, D.C. –  At $2.31, the national gas price average is at its highest in 10 months. Pump prices have increased despite gas demand falling from 8.1 million b/d to 7.4 million b/d — the lowest level recorded since the end of May 2020, according to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest weekly report.

Today’s average is six cents more than last week, 16 cents more than a month ago, but still cheaper than last year by 27 cents.

National Gas Price Average continues to rise (AAA)
National Gas Price Average continues to rise (AAA)

“Gas prices are rising as supply tightens and crude oil gets more expensive. Decreasing demand is outweighed by these other factors at the moment,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, AAA spokesperson. “Last week crude oil pushed to the highest price since before the pandemic. If crude prices remain high, Americans can expect to pay more at the pump this month.”

By EIA measurements, the United States gasoline supply sits at 241 million bbl. While this is the healthiest measurement since August 2020, it is 10 million bbl less than the start of 2020 (251 million bbl) when COVID-19 Coronavirus concerns were minimal. This year-over-year deficit, combined with lower refinery production rates and ongoing refinery maintenance, is pushing crude and gas prices more expensive.

On the week, all state gas price averages are more expensive with nearly 30 state averages increasing by at least a nickel. Three states saw double-digit jumps: West Virginia (+17 cents), New Mexico (+11 cents), and Florida (+10 cents). With this week’s pump prices increasing, only one states has an average of less than $2.00/gallon: Mississippi ($1.99).

Quick Stats

  •  The nation’s top 10 largest weekly increases: West Virginia (+17 cents), New Mexico (+11 cents), Florida (+10 cents), Kentucky (+9 cents), Tennessee (+9 cents), South Carolina (+9 cents), Arkansas (+8 cents), North Carolina (+8 cents), Missouri (+8 cents) and Ohio (+8 cents).
  • The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: Mississippi ($1.99), Texas ($2.01), Louisiana ($2.02), Missouri ($2.03), Oklahoma ($2.03), Kansas ($2.06), Arkansas ($2.07), Alabama ($2.08), South Carolina ($2.10) and Tennessee ($2.13).  

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $1.41 cents to settle at $52.84. Crude prices increased last week after Saudi Arabia announced that it would cut its crude production by 1 million b/d in February and March. Additionally, increasing crude prices were supported by EIA’s weekly report revealing that total domestic crude inventories decreased by 8 million bbl to 485.5 million bbl last week. If total domestic crude supply drops again this week, crude prices could continue to increase and push pump prices 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.

 

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second-largest AAA club in North America with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states, the province of Quebec, and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking, and financial services, travel offerings, and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety.

For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

RELATED ARTICLES

Latest Articles