COLUMBUS – Drivers across much of the country felt the relief at the gas pump, but Ohioans felt more of it than anyone else and are enjoying some of the lowest prices in the U.S.
Only Delaware, at $2.56 a gallon, has an average price for regular gas that is lower than Ohio’s, thanks to the nation’s most dramatic weekly price drop.
“Motorists across the country are seeing gas prices more than a dime cheaper than last week, with 41 states having less expensive state averages on the week,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson.
Ohio’s average price of $2.57 was 12 cents a gallon cheaper than last week, according to a daily survey from the auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Network and WEX, Inc.
Reduced refinery runs, due to peak maintenance season, have contributed to stable gasoline inventories amid lower demand, which is a contributing factor driving gas prices down, Casselano said.
Higher oil prices have kept gas prices from dropping to the low levels motorists typically see in the fall.
The average price in Columbus Monday morning was $2.49, a 14-cent decline from last week but 15 cents higher than the price at the same time a year ago.
However, she warns the low prices may not last.
“Prices are falling despite market concerns about global supply and geopolitical tensions, but that could change later this month ahead of the U.S. announcement of imposed sanctions on Iran,” she said.