Gas prices rise in Washington, but not as much elsewhere in region
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For a second consecutive week, Washington was spared a heftier gasoline price increase than other Western Pennsylvania towns had to endure.
The average cost of a gallon of unleaded self-serve in Washington is $2.480, AAA East Central reported Tuesday afternoon. That is a 3.3-cent increase from $2.447 a week ago.
But the price bump locally is much less significant than it is elsewhere across the region. Western Pennsylvania’s average this week jumped 8.3 cents to $2.595 – 11.5 cents higher than Washington’s figure.
Yet despite the rise, Western Pennsylvania’s average is 26.3 cents lower than it was a year ago.
Last week, regional and Washington prices went in opposite directions, with Western Pennsylvania’s average rising 4.9 cents and Washington’s dipping 4.7.
Pennsylvania’s average rose seven cents this week to $2.56, as most states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region realized increases. Gasoline stocks shrank a significant 1.8 million barrels across the region, which includes the Keystone State, and are at 69.5 million, according to the Energy Information Administration. Those stocks may tighten, resulting in further price bumps.
Washington’s average of $2.480 is the third-lowest among 22 Western Pennsylvania cities and towns listed by AAA.
Again, Butler ($2.442) and New Castle ($2.446) have the lowest and second-lowest. For at least the fifth week in a row, Warren has the highest price – $2.698 – following a 9.9-cent jump.
Nationally, averages rose by a nickel or more in 28 states, hoisting the U.S. figure to $2.33, a six-cent increase.