PITTSBURGH — The average price of gasoline across Western Pennsylvania is six cents higher this week at $2.983 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.
States in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region are experiencing some of the lowest volatility in gas prices in the country, despite low refinery utilization rates and gasoline stock levels. On the week, most states saw gas price increases of three cents or less (Pennsylvania, +3 cents).
Regional refinery utilization is now down to 69%. However, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports the region saw a build of 714,000 barrels in gasoline inventory to total levels at 59.2 million barrels. The build was a surprise, but good news for the region and will help to keep gas price volatility in check.
The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in Bradford is $2.996; in Brookville, $3.091; in DuBois, $2.956; in Erie, $3.031; and in Warren, $2.999.
Since last Monday, 18 states have seen their gas price averages increase by at least a nickel. The national gas price average is $2.79, which is an eight-cent increase since the beginning of July. Gas prices have increased amid more expensive crude oil prices, robust demand and decreasing gasoline stocks.
