The Week

Most Maryland drivers were not treated to lower pump prices this week, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. Maryland regional averages were either unchanged or fluctuated by a few cents week to week. Higher than expected gasoline demand, coupled with tightening gasoline supply in the Northeastern part of the country led to the increases.

The gas price average in Maryland today is $2.46, which is unchanged in the last week, down respectively seven cents in the last month and 17 cents from this date last year.

Today’s national gas price average is $2.61, unchanged in the last week, down respectively four cents in the last month and 17 cents from this date last year.

CURRENT AND PAST GAS PRICE AVERAGES 

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

At the close of NYMEX trading Friday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled at $56.20 per barrel, 46 cents lower than last Friday’s close. Prices remained stable, hovered between $54 and $56 throughout the week. An increase in crude oil inventories and worries about the global economy kept prices lower this week. Unimpressive factory data out of China and a report that Chinese officials have doubts about the prospects of a long-term trade deal with the U.S. also prevented crude from climbing.

The Weekend

“While gas price increases in the Northeastern part of the country haven’t been drastic this week, this trend is certainly no treat for most local drivers,” says Ragina C. Ali, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “As refinery maintenance season winds down and regional gasoline supplies increase, drivers will likely see less expensive prices at the pump in the coming weeks.”

The Week Ahead

Refinery maintenance across the country continues, though utilization rates have increased in the last week. This could mean further declines to the national average in the weeks ahead if demand drops. Refinery utilization in the Northeast pushed up a percentage point last week. The relatively marginal week-over-week changes helped to keep fluctuations minimal. Our region is likely to see gas prices push cheaper or stabilize through early November.

AAA has a variety of resources to help motorists save on fuel:

• Shell Fuel Rewards Program for AAA Members: (https://www.AAA.com/Shell) gives AAA members nationwide a discount on gasoline at Shell stations when they join the Fuel Rewards® program.

• Fuel Price Finder (https://www.AAA.com/fuelfinder) locates the lowest fuel price in your area. 

• AAA Gas Cost Calculator (https://gasprices.aaa.com/aaa-gas-cost-calculator/) helps budget travel expenses. 

• TripTik Mobile (https://www.aaa.com/mobile) plots fuel prices along your travel route. 

• AAA's Member Rewards Visa® Credit Card (https://www.AAA.com/financial/AAAvisa.htm) accumulates double points on fuel purchases. 

AAA is the most comprehensive resource for gas prices. AAA reports reflect actual prices from credit card transactions at more than 100,000 gas stations in the U.S.

Next Weekend Gas Watch: Friday, November 8, 2019

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to over 60 million members nationwide and more than 986,000 members in Maryland.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works 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 AAA.com.