PITTSBURGH — The average price of gasoline across Western Pennsylvania is two cents cheaper this week at $2.920 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.
Most states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast saw gas prices increase no more than a nickel on the week. Statewide, Pennsylvania’s average price for gasoline is a penny cheaper this week at $2.90.
With the Philadelphia Energy Solution (PES) refinery moving towards closure this month, regional refinery utilization dropped to 73% and gasoline stocks declined by 2.3 million barrels. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) measures total regional gasoline stocks at 58.5 million barrels, an atypical level for this time of year and a low not seen since December 2017. Gas prices may increase for motorists in the coming weeks as retailers look to other options to make-up for the gasoline deficit caused by the PES fire and planned closure.
The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in Bradford is $2.995; in Brookville, $2.997; in Erie, $2.934; and in Warren, $2.999.
In the last 15 days, state gas price averages have jumped, pushing up the national average nearly a dime to $2.75. In addition to rising gasoline demand, 13 states this month have introduced new gas taxes that have contributed to the national average increase. Motorists could see more expensive gas prices throughout July, but exactly how high prices may go remains to be seen.
