CINCINNATI, Oh. (October 1, 2018) – As seasonal refinery maintenance continues in the Great Lakes and Central region, Ohio is one of three states seeing a slight drop in gas prices on the week.

“The last quarter of the year has kicked off with gas prices that feel more like summer than fall,” said Jenifer Moore, AAA spokesperson. “This time of year, motorists are accustomed to seeing prices drop steadily, but due to continued global supply and demand concerns as well as very expensive summertime crude oil prices, motorists are not seeing relief at the pump.”

Ohio drivers are paying on average 14-cents less than the rest of the country this week.

The positive news is that Great Lakes and Central states’ gasoline inventories remain at a healthy inventory level. However, if inventories fall dramatically or there are additional seasonal maintenance issues, motorists could see prices spike even more in the region.

Ohio Average Gas Prices 

Locally, Cincinnati tri-state area drivers are seeing an even larger drop in pump prices.

Just a week ago, Cincinnati pump prices came close to the $3 mark due to seasonal maintenance.  While there has been a slight decrease, Cincinnati motorists are still paying the third highest amount for regular gas among metro cities in the state.

Cincinnati Average Pump Prices

National Gas Price Average Up

Despite gasoline demand dropping to 9.0 million b/d and inventories growing to 235.7 million bbl, according to the latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, the national gas price average has increased three cents on the week to land at $2.88 – a pump price not seen at the national average since mid-July. Today’s average is the most expensive for the beginning of October since 2014. The average is four cents more than a month ago and 32 cents more than a year ago.

Quick Stats

• The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Mississippi ($2.57), Alabama ($2.57), South Carolina ($2.58), Louisiana ($2.59), Virginia ($2.62), Arkansas ($2.62), Tennessee ($2.63), Texas ($2.63), Missouri ($2.68) and Delaware ($2.69).

• The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: Florida (+10 cents), Michigan (+10 cents), California (+8 cents), West Virginia (+7 cents), Missouri (+7 cents), Ohio (-6 cents), Delaware (-6 cents), New Mexico (+6 cents), Iowa (+6 cents) and Nebraska (+5 cents).

AAA offers these tips to motorists to save at the pump:

• If your vehicle’s engine does not require premium or mid-grade fuel, don’t buy it.  Using anything other than regular grade is simply a waste of money.
• Don’t top off your gas tank. Stop filling after the automatic nozzle shuts off the second time.
• If you have to replace a gas cap, make sure it is the right one for your car. An ill-fitting cap will increase emissions and trigger the “check engine” light.
• Keep track of gas mileage. If you notice a sudden decrease in fuel economy, have your vehicle checked by a technician to ensure it is operating properly.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 59 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.