COLUMBUS – Gas prices around Ohio have dipped slightly in the past week but remain significantly higher than last year amid predictions that prices will approach $3 a gallon later in the year.
The state average for a gallon of regular fuel in Columbus jumped 7 cents overnight to about $2.11 in Tuesday’s survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX Inc. That’s three pennies cheaper than a week ago but 39 higher than the average of $1.72 at this time last year (see graph).
AAA says there has been a strong supply of crude oil on the market and gas prices have stayed relatively steady in recent weeks.
Prices were expected to rise 35 to 75 cents in the coming weeks due to the annual switch to the more expensive summer-blend gasoline and regular maintenance in advance of the switchover, according to a report in The Columbus Dispatch.
The statewide average price was $2.09 a gallon, about 19 cents lower than the national average of $2.28, the same as a week ago. The national average a year ago was much lower at $1.71.