COLUMBUS, Ohio – The downward trend in gas prices continued into what is expected to be a busy travel weekend.
Columbus motorists are seeing gas prices 59 cents lower than last Thanksgiving, according to Monday’s survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX Inc.
The auto club’s survey showed the average price in Columbus was $2.67 a gallon, 17 cents lower than a week ago. The statewide average of $ 2.74 is down 13 cents from a week ago and a quarter from last month at this time. Last year’s average heading into the Thanksgiving holiday was $3.25 per gallon.
Oil industry analyst Trilby Lundberg says the decline continues a trend that has seen prices in the U.S. fall by 88 cents since May. Lower crude oil prices are continuing to drive prices down, along with an abundant oil supply and the rising value of the U.S. dollar, she said.
Ohio’s average is lower than the national average, which was $2.81 per gallon Monday. That’s 8 cents less than a week ago and 26 cents less than last month at this time.
Analysts say gas prices will likely remain low through the end of the year.
Nearly 1.7 million Ohioans will drive at least 50 miles from home for the holiday and will find prices in all the neighboring states are higher than Ohio’s. Prices range from $2.97 in Pennsylvania, $2.93 in West Virginia and $2.85 in Michigan to $2.77 in Indiana and $2.76 in Kentucky.