Gas price decline streak hits 40 days; Pittsburgh-area prices among highest in state

Gas prices have been coming down across the country for 40 days in a row, but average prices in Southwestern Pennsylvania remain above the national and state averages and among the highest in the state.

According to AAA, the national average on Monday was about $4.36. That’s about 17 cents per gallon less than a week ago and 55 cents less than a month ago.

“I have no reason yet to expect the decline won’t reach seven straight weeks, as gas stations still have plenty of room to decline as oil prices remain under $100 per barrel,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “However, should the tropics become more active, the decline could eventually reverse.”

AAA was reporting the Pennsylvania average at $4.56. That’s about 12 cents per gallon less than a week ago and 41 cents less than a month ago.

According to AAA, average prices in Pennsylvania range from a low of $4.36 in Perry County to about $4.68 in Clarion County.

Average prices in Pittsburgh-area counties are among the highest in the state:

• Allegheny: $4.61

• Armstrong: $4.61

• Beaver: $4.65

• Butler: $4.59

• Washington: $4.64

• Westmoreland: $4.61

GasBuddy was reporting the Pittsburgh-area average at $4.61, based on its survey of 731 stations. That’s about 37 cents per gallon less than a month ago but $1.34 higher than a year ago.

Prices in the region range from $4.15 per gallon up to $5.09, a difference of 94 cents per gallon, according to GasBuddy.

Neighboring areas and their current average prices, according to GasBuddy:

• Akron: $3.94, down 22.5 cents from last week.

• Cleveland: $4.10, down 26 cents from last week.

• West Virginia: $4.45, down 15 cents from last week.

The nation recorded its highest average price, about $5.02, on June 14. Pennsylvania’s highest average, $5.07, was set on June 12, according to AAA.