COLUMBUS – The price of gas in central Ohio climbed for the third week in a row and is slightly higher than the national average to begin the workweek.
The retail price per gallon for regular gas in Columbus was $1.79 in Monday’s survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX Inc. That’s up about 8 cents from a month ago buts 51 cents less than the average at this time last year.
The statewide average was also 8 cents higher than last month at $1.77. The national average for regular fuel was about $1.75 on Monday, down from $1.81 a month ago and $2.40 a year ago.
Gas prices have recently remained relatively low as a result of lower crude oil costs. But they are likely to increase some as the spring refinery maintenance season begins.
Ample gasoline supply and lower-than-expected oil prices are expected to limit seasonal price spikes. Some regional markets are beginning to reflect the effects of refinery production cuts, and prices have climbed in the Midwest over the past two weeks as a result.