Washington, D.C. – The national average price for a gallon of gas rose to $3.40, but the two-cent rise over last week is the smallest weekly increase in a month.
News that Iranian oil, which has not been sold globally in large quantities since 2018, may return to the world market coupled with an OPEC+ meeting on November 4th via videoconference, is increasing market volatility, but slowing pump price increases, at least for now.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 2 million bbl to 215.7 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand also fell from 9.63 million b/d to 9.32 million b/d. The drop in demand has helped slow price increases, but elevated crude prices continue to put upward market pressure on pump prices, which will likely keep rising as long as oil prices are above $80 per barrel.
Today’s national average of $3.40 is 21 cents more than a month ago and $1.27 more than a year ago, and 79 cents more than in 2019.
Quick Stats
The nation’s top 10 largest monthly increases: Alabama (+33 cents), Connecticut (+32 cents), Washington, D.C. (+31 cents), Arizona (+31 cents), Rhode Island (+30 cents), New Hampshire (+29 cents), Virginia (+29 cents), Vermont (+29 cents), Massachusetts (+29 cents) and Delaware (+28 cents).
The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets: California ($4.60), Hawaii ($4.30), Nevada ($3.94), Washington ($3.87), Oregon ($3.78), Utah ($3.73), Alaska ($3.72), Idaho ($3.70), Washington, D.C. ($3.59) and Pennsylvania ($3.57).
Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 76 cents to settle at $83.57. Crude prices gained on the day due to market expectations that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia, and their allies, known as OPEC+, will maintain production cuts during their meeting this week.
However, crude prices took a slight step back on the week after EIA reported that total domestic crude supply increased by 4.3 million bbl to 430.8 million bbl. If EIA’s next report shows another inventory increase, crude prices could decline this week.
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 62 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety.
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