AAA: Western PA Gas Prices Stable; National Average Increases
Gas prices in Western Pennsylvania are steady this week at $3.305 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.
This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average $3.305
Average price during the week of July 26, 2021 $3.304
Average price during the week of August 3, 2020 $2.443
The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:
$3.257 Altoona
$3.299 Beaver
$3.359 Bradford
$3.354 Brookville
$3.283 Butler
$3.355 Clarion
$3.279 DuBois
$3.342 Erie
$3.268 Greensburg
$3.298 Indiana
$3.231 Jeannette
$3.301 Kittanning
$3.297 Latrobe
$3.343 Meadville
$3.368 Mercer
$3.244 New Castle
$3.293 New Kensington
$3.359 Oil City
$3.283 Pittsburgh
$3.299 Sharon
$3.292 Uniontown
$3.359 Warren
$3.260 Washington
Trend Analysis:
Americans are paying a pretty penny to hit the road this summer. The monthly national gas price average has increased from $3.00 in May to $3.07 in June to $3.15 in July. The beginning of August will likely be as expensive as July, especially as crude oil prices remain over $70 per barrel. An increase in global crude production is expected this month. However, even with the additional supply, global demand could outpace global supply and keep prices high.
On the week, the national average increased by two cents to $3.17 with a majority of states seeing jumps between two to ten cents. Today’s average is a nickel more than a month ago and 99 cents more than a year ago.
As many travelers take final summer vacations, AAA reminds drivers not to rely heavily on in-dash fuel economy displays. New AAA research found that a vehicle’s “miles to empty” estimates vary significantly and drivers could be taking an unnecessary risk if they over rely on these displays. With more expensive gas prices, motorists may be trying to stretch their tank to empty, but AAA recommends drivers watch their gas gauge and fill up when it reaches a quarter of a tank.
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate increased by 33 cents to settle at $73.95. A weaker dollar helped to push prices higher last week, while market concerns surrounding demand recovery continued to grow. Crude prices were also bolstered after the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest report showed that total domestic crude stocks declined by 4.1 million barrels to 435.6 million barrels. For this week, crude prices could climb higher if EIA’s next weekly report shows another decline in total domestic crude supply.
Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at GasPrices.AAA.com.
AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 72 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.