Gas Jumps Over $2

REGION – The average price nationwide for a gallon of gas jumped over the $2 threshold this week – and Ohio and West Virginia followed suit.

According to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, the average price nationwide for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.04 today – up almost 30 cents in the past month. And, as high as it’s been since November of last year.

Here in West Virginia, the average price for gas is just over $2 today – an increase of more than 25 cents in the past month.

“It’s that time of year” says Crissy Gray, AAA Charleston District Office Supervisor, “The price of gas typically goes up in the Spring as refineries ready for the busy summer driving season”.

Still, drivers in Ohio and West Virginia are faring far better than they were a year ago when the price at the pump was, on average, about 44 cents more. And, though prices are expected to continue to rise as we head into summer, AAA analysts expect the price at the pump to remain relatively low compared to recent years.

Gas prices tend to reach the highest levels of the year in the spring before the summer driving season. As the weather turns warmer and days grow longer, people tend to drive more, which results in increased demand. Many families also take spring break road trips this time of year, which means they may use more gasoline than normal. This increase in demand comes at the same time that many refineries conduct maintenance to prepare equipment for the busy summer driving season, which leads to a temporary decline in fuel production.

In addition, refineries also begin to transition to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce, but mandated due to the fact that it is causes less air pollution at warmer temperatures. These factors typically lead to higher gas prices this time of year.

For the third consecutive week, California leads the nation with the highest average price for retail gasoline at $2.77. The nation’s least expensive market for retail gasoline is New Jersey at $1.82.

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.

AAA provides travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services to 55 million members nationwide. AAA is committed to keeping its members on-the-go by providing outstanding roadside assistance, valuable online resources on buying and maintaining vehicles and through the Approved Auto Repair program, which has inspected and approved more than 8,000 auto repair facilities in North America. For more information about AAA, members and non-members can visit one of eight offices in eastern Connecticut, go online to AAA.com or call 860-236-3261.