Gas prices keep rising in state, stay same in Washington
Commuters throughout Pennsylvania are dealing with gas pains, and not getting relief.
Gasoline prices statewide went up another two cents this week, to $3.04 for a gallon of unleaded self-serve, according to a report from AAA East Central. Pennsylvania remains among the 12 states with the most expensive gas in the nation, and is one of only four on the East Coast with averages above $3.
In Western Pennsylvania, a gallon costs an average of $3.059, up slightly from $3.052 a week ago. This week’s price is 41.2 cents above that of a year ago – $2.644.
The national average is $2.87, up six cents from last week. Prices in 36 states rose a nickel or more in the past week. AAA attributes the nationwide increase to the president’s decision to re-impose sanctions on Iran, the switchover to summer blend gas, and growing global demand and shrinking supply.
Gasoline inventories did rise again in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, to 68 million barrels. About 1.8 million were added.
For the second week in a row, Washington posted an average of $3.098. For weeks, Washington’s price was among the most affordable in Western Pennsylvania, but is now tied with Beaver for the third highest among 22 Western Pennsylvania cities and towns listed by AAA. Only Kittanning and Mercer (both $3.108) had higher averages.
Altoona and Sharon has the cheapest gasoline, both $2.986. Meadville ($2.993) was the only other area below $3 a gallon. New Kensington ($3.004) and Uniontown ($3.018) were fourth and fifth lowest.