AAA Mid-Atlantic: Wilkes-Barre and Bloomsburg Region Gas Averages Dip Under $2

WILKES-BARRE, PA (April 8, 2020) – Not since March of 2016 have drivers in the Wilkes-Barre and Bloomsburg areas seen gas price averages below $2 per gallon.. AAA Mid-Atlantic says local prices have been dropping steadily since early March. Today’s regional gas prices averages are between 90 cents and $1 less than just one year ago.

Nationally, pump prices also continued to push less expensive on the week with gasoline demand registering at its lowest point since 1993. The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) weekly report puts demand at a nearly 30 year low and it’s likely to push lower as Americans are urged to stay at home at least until the beginning of May. Today’s national gas price average is $1.90, 84 cents less than last year.

Crude oil prices continue to be volatile and more than $30 less than one year ago. In addition to crude oil, market analysts are also watching refinery rates. The U.S. refinery utilization average is down to 82 percent, a low not seen since September 2017. Given the drop in crude oil and gasoline demand, which is expected to push even lower, refineries are reducing production in hopes this could help to balance the amount of gasoline supply in the country. 

"This week, market analysts are watching crude oil prices, which started to increase at the end of last week," said Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "However, given the low demand readings, increases in crude aren’t likely to have an impact on gas prices in the near-term."

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

AAA forecasts that until crude oil prices and gasoline demand increase, cheaper gas prices are here for the foreseeable future.

For those motorists who are not driving, AAA offers these car care tips for longer-than-expected parked vehicles:

• Battery Boost. If possible, use a Battery Tender or other maintenance-type battery charger to keep the battery at a full state of charge and prevent deterioration. The Battery Tender should remain connected to the stored vehicle.
• Fuel Stabilizer. If gas is going to sit in the vehicle's tank for more than a few months, particularly gasoline that contains ethanol, AAA recommends using a treatment designed for fuel stabilization such as STA-BIL®.Anyone can do this, and it is as simple as fueling up a vehicle. Fill the gas tank to help minimize condensation and drive the car for five to ten miles to ensure that the stabilized fuel circulates throughout the fuel system.
• Tire Pressure. Add 10 psi of pressure to each tire to help prevent flat spots from forming on the tires. This occurs when the area of the tire touching the ground becomes rigid due to sitting in one position for an extended period. You can also move the vehicle periodically.
• Windshield Wiper Placement. Prop up the wiper arms so the blades are off the windshield and won't get stuck to the glass.
• No Parking Brake. Don't use the parking brake when storing the vehicle. The brake could become frozen, and the brake pads could rust to the rotors, or brake shoes could distort the drums. With an automatic transmission, simply place the vehicle in park. If the car has a manual transmission, put it in first or reverse gear and use wheel chocks to help hold the vehicle in place.

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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 app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.