AAA: Ohio drivers save money on gas

For Greene County News

MIAMI VALLEY — The national average price of gas has increased by two cents over the past week to $2.22 per gallon.

Despite the slight increase in average pump prices, drivers continue to benefit from substantial discounts compared to recent years. Today’s average represents the lowest price for this same date since 2006. Consumers are saving 10 cents per gallon month-over-month and 72 cents per gallon year-over-year. The national average has moved lower for 24 of the past 30 days and is down 59 cents per gallon versus the 2015 peak price reached in June ($2.80).

The average gas price in Ohio today is $2.20 a gallon, reflecting a 30 cent decline and putting Ohio in the number three position on AAA’s top ten largest monthly savings list. Today Miami Valley area drivers are paying an average of $2.19 per gallon, down 16 cents from a week ago, and 35 cents from a month ago.

This year’s autumn refinery maintenance season continues to make headlines for its impact on regional markets. Refinery utilization is reportedly beginning to return to normal rates. However, select regional markets are still under pressure as a result of the sheer volume of planned maintenance combined with unplanned outages. The Midwest is recovering from the fall turnaround season and despite reports of restarts, the latest data from the U.S. Department of Energy puts gasoline production and the overall utilization rate at virtually the same levels as prior weeks.

Story courtesy of Public Affairs Manager Cindy Antrican of AAA.