MANSFIELD — Gas prices at the pump across Ohio have been on the rise for a while, but Russia’s invasion this week – and other more natural factors – could make those prices rise even more.
The American Automobile Association reported Friday that Ohio’s average price at the pump for regular gas rose $0.01 from Thursday. It’s up $0.11 from last week and $0.27 from a month ago.
At this time last year, the average price at Ohio pumps was $2.61. The average Friday was $3.33, according to AAA.
Ohio’s average is still under the national price of $3.57, but those prices will likely rise as the conflict in Ukraine continues and weather warms.
Energy Information Administration data shows total gasoline stocks decreased by 600,000 oil barrels to 246.5 million last week. Demand also rose slightly last week, from 8.57 million barrels per day to 8.66 million.
AAA said in a news release that “increasing oil prices continue to play a leading role in pushing prices higher. Pump prices will likely continue to rise as crude prices continue to climb.”
But the situation in Ukraine is not the only thing affecting prices at the pump.
“Prices have also been rising because the world oil market is tight and struggling to keep up with demand as nations worldwide move on from COVID-19-related economic slowdowns,” said Kimberly Schwind, Ohio AAA’s director of public affairs.
Prices began rising substantially in April 2020, when the nation’s average price was $1.93. By November 2021, it grew to $3.49, EIA numbers show.
The time of year also plays a role, Schwind said.
“Gas prices tend to rise in the spring, as summer-drive season approaches,” she said, noting prices tend to peak around the second week in May and level off during summer months.
Schwind said all these factors will likely cause more expensive gas.
“While nobody knows exactly how high gas prices will climb, AAA cautions drivers to expect high prices,” she said.
In Source Media Property’s coverage area, Ashland County has the highest average price at $3.37, followed by Knox County at $3.34 and Richland County at $3.33, according to AAA.
The cheapest prices in Ohio can be found at Sunoco in Toledo, with $2.75 for a gallon of regular, according to GasBuddy.
In Ashland County, the cheapest gallon of gas can be found at Marathon on Wooster Road in Loudonville for $3.28.
As for Richland County, Sam’s Club in Ontario is the best bet. Gas Buddy reports its price at $3.14.
The cheapest in Knox County can be found at BP on Coshocton Avenue in Mount Vernon for $3.21.
