AAA: Western PA Gas Prices Jump as Crude Oil Prices Climb
Gas prices in Western Pennsylvania are seven cents higher this week at $3.240 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                 $3.240
Average price during the week of June 1, 2021                                        $3.177
Average price during the week of June 8, 2020                                        $2.345

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:      

$3.152      Altoona
$3.234      Beaver
$3.214      Bradford
$3.253      Brookville
$3.246      Butler
$3.254      Clarion
$3.239      DuBois
$3.248      Erie
$3.212      Greensburg
$3.244      Indiana
$3.254      Jeannette
$3.219      Kittanning
$3.244      Latrobe
$3.239      Meadville
$3.270      Mercer
$3.219      New Castle
$3.241      New Kensington
$3.259      Oil City
$3.239      Pittsburgh
$3.241      Sharon
$3.277      Uniontown
$3.259      Warren
$3.255      Washington

Trend Analysis:
After ten days of stability, the national gas price average increased a penny over the weekend to $3.05. On the week, the majority of states’ (26) gas price averages either increased by one cent or saw no movement. Only two states saw prices increase a nickel or more. Prices are poised to fluctuate in the coming week, especially in light of a recent drop in demand. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported demand decreased from 9.48 million barrels a day to 9.15 million barrels a day for the week ending May 28. During the same week, total gasoline stocks increased to nearly 234 million barrels as U.S. refinery utilization jumped to 88.7%—the highest rate since February 2020.

This week’s demand number is expected to be higher as it will reflect Memorial Day holiday weekend travel, but it’s not likely to lead to an increase in gas prices for the majority of motorists. However, crude oil is on the rise and could prop up pump prices.

Last week, crude prices increased to their highest price point ($69/barrel) in 2.5 years. Since crude accounts for more than 50% of the price at the pump, when it goes up, so does the price motorists pay. What is promising is that crude may not sustain at this level. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and its allies including Russia, announced last week it still plans to gradually increase crude production in July. If it does increase production, this could lead to a decrease in crude oil prices.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at GasPrices.AAA.com.