COLUMBUS – Analysts warned us that gas prices had probably hit bottom and it appears as though that are on the upswing, with the average price at the pump in Columbus jumping 9 cents overnight.
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Columbus Thursday morning was $1.96, according to a daily survey from the AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX, Inc. That is 17 cents higher than Monday and 40 cents higher than a month ago.
Regional price swings are typical for this time of year as refineries conduct maintenance in advance of the busy summer driving season and the switch to more expensive summer-blend fuel, AAA analysts say.
Despite seasonal increases, abundant gasoline supplies and lower crude oil costs should keep gas prices from rising as high as drivers have seen in recent years, the experts say.
The statewide average price of $1.91 a gallon Thursday morning was 53 cents lower than the price a year ago (see graph).
The nationwide average price has also increased, by 8 cents in the past week, to $1.80.