Mar 12, 2019 2 min read

The price at the pump keeps pumping upward in Western Pennsylvania.

A gallon of unleaded self-serve gasoline costs an average of $2.698 this week, AAA East Central reported Monday afternoon. That is a 1.7-cent rise across the region from last week’s figure – $2.681. The new price, however, is 9.2 cents cheaper than it was a year ago ($2.790).

But once again, Washington’s average remains among the lowest of 22 Western Pennsylvania cities and towns listed by AAA. The city’s price jumped 3.6 cents to $2.614, yet for the second week in a row, that is the third-lowest figure in this half of the state, behind only New Castle ($2.589) and Butler ($2.598). Washington’s price is 8.4 cents cheaper than the regional average.

Twelve of those 22 areas have an average price at or above $2.70 per gallon. Bradford and Warren, which usually are near the top, have the most expensive petrol in the region – each at $2.760.

Pennsylvania’s average rose again, by three cents to $2.67, placing the Keystone State at the top of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region for a second consecutive week. Average prices in those states vary widely, from $2.28 (Virginia) to $2.64.

Since the start of February, the region’s gasoline inventories have dropped by 6.3 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration. The total inventory is at 64.9 million, one of the lowest levels this year – but that is 3.1 million barrels higher than it was a year ago.

The national average bumped up another five cents, to $2.47, which is 20 cents more expensive than a month ago. Prices in 26 states likewise have risen by a nickel or more this week.