CINCINNATI, Oh. (April 22, 2019)— Gas prices in Ohio and Kentucky dropped on the week, however that may be short-lived due to today’s announcement by the U.S. State Department to end sanction waivers for countries who import oil from Iran.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Ohio is $2.63, according to AAA’s latest analysis of gas prices.

As a result of today’s announcement, crude oil prices are seeing an immediate impact.

 “With the end of waiver sanctions, Americans could see increased gas prices this summer, leading to the national average flirting with the $3.00/gal mark like last summer,” says Jenifer Moore, AAA spokeswoman. “Any immediate impact will be to crude oil prices, which will then be passed over to retail later this summer.

The retail increase will be dependent upon how expensive crude oil prices are and the duration at which crude sells at the higher price point in the market. 

However, higher gas prices will not impact summer travel plans.

According to a recent AAA Travel survey, nearly 100 million Americans are planning to take a family vacation in 2019, slightly more than last year. Nearly half of American families will travel by car.

“We do not expect more expensive gas prices to impact summer travel,” continues Moore. “Prices are on par with this time last year and Americans hit the road in record numbers for holiday travel. It’s more likely that travelers would shorten the distance of a road trip, eat out less or look for free activities before deciding not to take summer road trips.”

Drivers can save at the pump by using the AAA Mobile App to find the cheapest gas prices in their area.

AAA members can also find additional savings by signing up for the Shell Fuel Rewards Program. Members can sign up for free and save five cents per gallon at participating Shell stations.

For a limited time, members can save 30-cents on their first fill up until April 30, 2019.

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 59 million members nationwide and nearly two and a half 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 (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.

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