COLUMBUS, Ohio – Motorists in central Ohio getting some relief at the gas pump after two weeks of higher-than-usual prices, though the pump price in Columbus remains well above the national average.
The cost for a gallon of regular gas in Columbus was averaging $3.81 in Monday’s survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX Inc. That’s 15 cents lower than a week ago and at the same time last year.
Ohio was among the five states with the highest average price last week but AAA public relations manager Michael Green say the higher prices were due to stronger than expected demand which caused a jump in wholesale prices in the Midwest and Great Lakes.
Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg said Sunday that crude oil prices are little changed and strong refinery output has quenched higher demand. She anticipates minor price declines ahead.
Her survey says the average price is holding steady, rising 3-1/2 cents over the last three weeks to $3.69 a gallon.
Green says U.S. prices should remain in the $3.50-$3.70-per-gallon range for the rest of the summer.
Monday’s Ohio price – also $3.81 — is 11 cents cheaper than last week ago, but 12 cents lower than last year at this time.
The national average Tuesday was $3.65 per gallon. That’s 2 cents lower than a week ago, and a penny lower than a month ago.