COLUMBUS – Central Ohio drivers experienced a nasty case of sticker shock when they checked the prices at their corner gas stations Thursday morning.
The average retail price of a gallon of regular gasoline has soared 13 cents overnight to $2.48, according to a daily survey from the auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX, Inc.
That price is almost 20 cents higher than on Monday and 17 cents higher than a year ago.
While pump prices have dipped in recent weeks, Americans are still paying a quarter more than at the same time last year and the downward trend is not expected to continue.
“There is tremendous volatility in the oil and gasoline market. Crude oil is selling at high prices compared to previous years and domestic gasoline demand has been high,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “This spring, consumers may have to make decisions on where they can cut costs to cover gas prices that are potentially 40 cents more per gallon than last spring.”
AAA forecasts the national gas price average will be as much as $2.70 per gallon this spring, the highest price since since summer of 2015 when prices hit $2.81.