Gas prices rises in Washington, region rise again
Gasoline prices in Western Pennsylvania increased 2.1 cents this week, hoisting the average of a gallon of unleaded self-serve is $3.103, according to a report Monday from AAA East Central. That figure is 51.6 cents higher than it was a year ago, at $2.587.
Washington’s price rose 3.9 cents to $3.111, exceeding the regional average after three weeks below it. Pennsylvania’s price went up two cents, to $3.06.
Prices went up or stayed about the same in a number of states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region. One state had a one-cent decline.
Gasoline inventory levels fell from 66.4 million barrels to 64 million in July. That included a 1.2-million barrel draw-down last week, the largest in any region of the United States. A slowdown in gasoline imports could lead to tight inventory levels and, perhaps, higher prices.
The average price nationally is $2.87, a one-cent increase.
Washington’s price of $3.111 is the 12th lowest among 22 Western Pennsylvania cities and towns listed by AAA. Clarion’s average price of $2.941 was the only figure below $3. Jeannette ($3.206) had the highest average.