COLUMBUS, Ohio – Gas prices in Columbus began the work week at their lowest level since mid-March, but may not stay that low.
The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Columbus Monday morning was $2.21, the lowest price since March 16 and 21 cents cheaper than a month ago, according to a daily survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX Inc.
Monday’s price is 18 cents lower than the national average, a hint that the local price may rebound in the next few days.
Despite that possibility, the longer-term outlook for prices at the pump is rosy.
“There is a real hope that gas prices could drop significantly in time for the busy summer driving season,” Avery Ash, AAA spokesman, said.
Ash says AAA analysts say prices will return to near $2 per gallon in some areas, as long as there are no unexpected production problems, and the auto club does not expect the national average price to rise above $3 per gallon this year.
The statewide average price of $2.25 Monday was 13 cents less than a week ago and $1.36 cheaper than this time last year. The national average was down 3 cents from last week and $1.19 less than a year ago at this time.