Washington, D.C. – The national average price for a gallon of gas rose sharply last week to $3.48, four cents more than a week ago. The main culprit behind the recent climb in pump prices remains the high cost of crude oil.
Moderating winter weather and optimism over a potential fading of the omicron variant have led to an increase in gas demand.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks dropped by 1.6 million bbl to 248.4 million bbl last week. On the other hand, gasoline demand rose from 8.23 million b/d to 9.13 million b/d.
A decrease in total stocks and increased demand have contributed to upward pressure on pump prices, but rising crude prices continue to play the dominant role in pushing pump prices higher. Gas prices will likely increase as demand grows and crude oil prices remain above $90 per barrel.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.48, which is 18 cents more than a month ago and 98 cents more than a year ago.
Quick Stats
The nation’s top 10 largest weekly increases: New Mexico (+18 cents), Delaware (+15 cents), North Carolina (+12 cents), Tennessee (+12 cents), New York (+10 cents), Nebraska (+9 cents), Maryland (+9 cents), New Jersey (+9 cents), South Carolina (+8 cents) and Georgia (+8 cents).
The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets: California ($4.70), Hawaii ($4.46), Washington ($3.95), Oregon ($3.94), Nevada ($3.89), Alaska ($3.80), Washington, D.C. ($3.71), Pennsylvania ($3.68), New York ($3.68) and Illinois ($3.66).
Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by $3.22 to settle at $93.10. The tension between Russia and Ukraine continues to contribute to rising oil prices. Russia is a member of OPEC+, and any sanctions based on their actions toward Ukraine may cause it to withhold crude oil from the global market.
Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic crude stocks decreased by 4.7 million bbl to 410.4 million bbl. The current stock level is approximately 13 percent lower than at the beginning of February 2021, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices. If the tension between Russia and Ukraine continues this week or EIA’s next report shows another inventory decline, crude prices could continue to rise.
Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The app can also 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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