COLUMBUS – Although central Ohio drivers haven’t experienced this degree of sticker shock at the gas pump, some stations in Ohio are showing price spikes into the $2.70 to $3 a gallon range for midgrade and premium fuel this week.
The average price for regular gasoline in Columbus shot up 13 cents overnight to $2.55 a gallon Wednesday morning, highest among Ohio’s large cities, according to a daily survey by the auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX, Inc.
While today’s average price in Ohio sits at $2.48, a nickel more per gallon than on Tuesday, this will likely increase during the next few days, according to Kimberly Schwind, senior public relations manager for the AAA Ohio Auto Club.
This current price spike will likely send the Ohio average to its highest level since June 2016, Schwind said.
Ohio’s gas prices are tied to the Chicago spot market, which is currently the highest priced market in the country due to a pipeline leak and major Midwest refineries operating at reduced rates because of autumn maintenance.
In addition, crude oil prices are on the rise, as inventories are down and demand is up in the U.S. and globally, Schwind said.