The Week

Since last Friday, gas prices across the Delaware Valley have increased by at least eight cents. Local and national gas price averages already topped 2020 highs (2020 high gas prices - $2.59 nationally, $2.83 in Pennsylvania, $2.64 in New Jersey, and $2.43 in Delaware).

The jump in both local and national average is a direct result of all major Gulf Coast refineries being impacted by the recent winter storm, which has caused gas supplies to tighten and pump prices to increase. Until normal refinery operations resume, the impact will result in most drivers seeing pump prices increasing another 5 - 15 cents through the weekend. 

Today’s national gas price average is $2.60, up 10 cents in the last week, up 22 cents in the last month, and up 15 cents from this time last year.

CURRENT AND PAST GAS PRICE AVERAGES
Regular Unleaded Gasoline (*indicates record high)

At the close of NYMEX trading Friday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled at $59.24 per barrel, 23 cents lower than last Friday’s close. Although crude prices trended lower toward the end of the week due to market concerns regarding demand, they have increased so far this week due to supply and delivery impacts from the winter storm. Additionally, the Energy Information Administration’s new weekly report revealed that total domestic crude inventories dropped by last week. As crude inventories decline, crude prices are likely to continue increasing while pushing pump prices higher. 

The Weekend

“Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are all seeing a significant increase in gas prices this week, all topping 2020 highs,” said Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Winter weather troubles along the Gulf Coast will have an effect on gas prices in the Northeast until refineries can resume normal operations and road conditions lend themselves to regular fuel deliveries.”

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. Unlike the Lundberg Survey of 7,000 gas stations, 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, February 26, 2020

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and more than 3.2 million members in Pennsylvania.  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 appss for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.