CINCINNATI, Oh. (April 8, 2019)—At $2.74, the national gas price average increased a nickel on the week and is eight cents more than last year at this time. And compared to one month ago, gas prices are 28 cents more expensive. As demand holds steady and inventories continue to tighten, motorists continue to see gas prices increase in every region.

“Gas prices are increasing across the country, but these changes vary by region,” said Jenifer Moore, AAA spokesperson. “On the week, motorists in the West Coast, Rockies, Great Lakes and Central regions are seeing some of the largest weekly increases while prices mostly east of the Mississippi have made more moderate jumps.”

As overall refinery utilization stands at 86% compared to 93% last year at this time, unexpected and planned maintenance continues to be one of the leading factors in why gas prices have continued to trend more expensive.

Ohio is one of three states in the Great Lakes region with the largest increase in gas prices. Compared to last month, gas prices are now nearly a quarter or more expensive for all states in the region with Ohio averaging 32-cents more this month compared to last.

Locally, Cincinnati drivers are paying $2.70 per gallon at the pump, an increase of six cents on the week and 32-cents since March.

“Historically, early spring triggers an increase in pump prices due to an increase in demand as Americans put the winter blues behind them and drive more. Another factor pumping up the price is the switchover to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive for refiners to produce,” added Moore.

A Look Ahead

AAA expects summer 2019 gas prices to be on par with prices during summer 2018, with May seeing the highest prices of the year. Heading into summer, a variety of factors, including U.S. supply-demand levels, U.S. production and crude prices will help better shape the summer forecast. 

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

AAA members can 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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