Pittsburgh-area gas prices remain high as state, national averages come down

Gas prices are coming down across the state and nation, but are hanging high in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

According to AAA, the national average gas price Tuesday was $4.80, down 8 cents from a week ago. Pennsylvania’s average is about $4.88, down about 7 cents from a week ago.

But average prices remain above $4.90 in Southwestern Pennsylvania, ranging from $4.92 in Indiana County up to $4.98 in Greene County, AAA reported.

The average prices in other counties, according to AAA:

• Armstrong: $4.95

• Allegheny: $4.94

• Beaver: $4.95

• Butler: $4.94

• Washington: $4.95

• Westmoreland: $4.95

Price tracking service GasBuddy was reporting the Pittsburgh area average at $4.93 on Tuesday. That’s 7.2 cents per gallon more than a month ago and $1.71 more than a year ago.

According to GasBuddy, Pittsburgh-area prices range from $4.59 up to $5.29, a difference of 70 cents per gallon. Statewide, prices range from $4.41 up to $5.79, a difference of $1.38 per gallon.

Average gas prices have come down three weeks in a row, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

“While we may see prices decline into this week, the drop could fade soon if oil prices reverse, especially with strong demand over the holiday,” he said. “For the time being, Americans are spending nearly $100 million per day less on gasoline than when prices peaked a few weeks ago, and that’s well-needed relief at a time when gas prices remain near records.”

Asked why average prices in Southwestern Pennsylvania are remaining high, De Haan said some stations are dropping faster than others, leading to some areas decreasing at a faster pace.

“I do expect most areas will ultimately see prices decline by a similar amount, but some areas may see the decreases faster than others,” he said.

Pennsylvania recorded its highest average gas price, $5.07, on June 12.