COLUMBUS, Ohio – Gas prices in Ohio fell slightly to start the work week, the first decline in the price at the pump in five weeks.
A gallon of regular gas in Columbus was averaging $2.50 in Monday’s survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX Inc., a 4-cent drop from a week ago. Though the price is 25 cents higher than a month ago, it is $1.14 cheaper than last year.
Analysts have said prices at the pump could rise as gasoline costs catch up to higher oil prices.
Nevertheless, the annual cost of owning and operating a vehicle has fallen nearly two percent since 2013 to $8,698, according to the AAA’s 2015 Your Driving Costs study.
The statewide average of $2.44 is down 6 cents from a week ago and well below the national average of $2.62 per gallon.
Gas prices remain significantly cheaper than last year at this time, when prices were averaging $3.66 per gallon in Ohio and $3.68 nationwide.