Gas prices down in Pennsylvania while national average unchanged
Pennsylvania is among a majority of states that saw gas prices fall in the past week but downward trends are likely to be temporary, an industry analyst said.
According to AAA, the average price in Pennsylvania on Monday was about $3.56 per gallon. That’s about 4 cents per gallon less than a week ago, 7 cents less than a month ago and 77 cents less than a year ago.
The national average was about $3.44 per gallon, nearly unchanged from a week ago, according to AAA. It’s about 7 cents more than a month ago but about 81 cents less than a year ago.
“The national average price of gasoline has seen little overall change over the last week, with big decreases in states like Colorado ($3.60) and Ohio ($3.19) offset by large increases in Arizona ($4.23) and North Carolina ($3.31),” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “While more states saw declines than increases, any downward trends are still likely to be temporary and not necessarily long lasting.”
According to AAA, county averages across Pennsylvania range from about $3.39 up to $3.72 per gallon.
County averages in the Pittsburgh area, according to AAA:
• Allegheny: $3.70
• Armstrong: $3.70
• Beaver: $3.66
• Butler: $3.67
• Washington: $3.68
• Westmoreland: $3.70
GasBuddy reported the average price in the Pittsburgh area was $3.68 per gallon, according to its survey of 731 stations. That’s about 5 cents per gallon less than a month ago and about 62 cents less than a year ago.
Pittsburgh area prices ranged from $3.25 up to $3.99 per gallon, a difference of 74 cents per gallon, according to GasBuddy. Statewide, prices ranged from $3.08 up to $4.48, a difference of $1.40 per gallon.
Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:
• Akron: $3.01, down 10 cents per gallon from last week.
• Cleveland: $3.16, down 9 cents per gallon from last week.
• West Virginia: $3.30, down 3 cents per gallon from last week.
The national average price of diesel is $4.19 per gallon, down about 6 cents in the last week, according to GasBuddy.
Brian C. Rittmeyer, a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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