Gas prices continue decline on tariff worries, falling oil prices

Gasoline prices are down again in Pittsburgh, and the national average has fallen for four straight weeks — not something drivers expect at the start of the summer season.

“More impressively is the surprise that may soon hit some motorists: the nation’s cheapest gas prices may soon fall back under $2 per gallon as oil prices have plummeted nearly $14 in the last 8 weeks, prompted by worries about President Trump’s tariffs on China and now also Mexico, undermining the U.S. and global economy, and perhaps leading to a slowdown in oil demand at the same time as U.S. oil inventories have rebounded sharply,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

“While there may be volatility and a return to higher prices should Trump make a deal to avoid tariffs on both the countries, for now, it’s going to be a big win at the gas pump with prices in most areas likely to fall notably in the week ahead,” he said.

In Pittsburgh, gas prices are down 3.8 cents per gallon in the past week, to an average of $3.01, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 731 stations. That’s 13.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago, and 15.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Prices in Pittsburgh range from a low of $2.79 per gallon up to $3.29, a difference of 50 cents per gallon. Statewide, prices range from $2.56 up to $3.29, a difference of 73 cents per gallon.

The national average price has fallen 1.6 cents per gallon to $2.81. The national average is down 8.9 cents per gallon from a month ago, and is 13.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

The cheapest price in the entire country stands at $1.89 per gallon, while the most expensive is $5.86, a difference of $3.97 per gallon.