COLUMBUS – Drivers in central Ohio appear to be immune to the unexpected jump inn gas prices that has plagued motorists in almost every other state.
The national gas price average increased three cents this week to $2.88, the highest since mid-July, but the average price in Columbus declined for the first time in four weeks by a whopping 18 cents, according to a daily survey from the auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX, Inc.
“This time of year, motorists are accustomed to seeing prices drop steadily, but due to continued global supply and demand concerns as well as very expensive summertime crude oil prices, motorists are not seeing relief at the pump,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson.
Today’s national average is the most expensive for the beginning of October since 2014 but the price in Columbus is 24 cents cheaper than that, at $2.62 a gallon.
Ohio is one of only four states in the Great Lakes region to see a decline, to $2.74.
The switchover from summer-blend fuel to winter-blend, which is cheaper to produce, was nearly complete last week and prices were expected to fall.
Refinery maintenance across the Great Lakes and central states continues to contribute to higher gas prices in the region, Casselanoi says.