CINCINNATI, Oh. – As U.S. gasoline demand strengthened and supply declined, the national gas price average jumped two-cents on the week to land at $2.86. According to the latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) report, total crude inventories fell on the week and now register at 405 million bbl, which is 80 million bbl lower than levels at the same time last year.

“As crude and gasoline inventories tighten, motorists can expect gas prices to trend higher and remain volatile,” said Jenifer Moore, AAA spokesperson. “On the week, pump prices increased as much as 11-cents for some states with others seeing decreases of up to four-cents.”

While today’s gas price average is one-cent less than last month, it is 55-cents more than a year ago and crude oil prices are up $20/bbl compared to this time last year.

Average pump prices in Ohio rose eight cents on the week at $2.78 per gallon. The average is 47-cents more compared to this time last year.

Overall, the seven Great Lakes and Central states that saw large declines last week are seeing higher pump prices this week. In fact, Michigan’s decreases from last week were reversed with motorists seeing an 11-cent jump, bringing the state’s average to the $3 mark for the first time since July 15.

Gasoline inventories in the region declined for a third week. With the drop, total inventories are at the lowest mark of the year at 51.6 million bbl, a 1.2-million bbl year-over-year deficit. If inventories continue to tighten, motorists in the region can expect gas prices to climb.

Oil market dynamics

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI decreased 92 cents to settle at $68.69. Oil prices trended higher with the release of EIA's weekly report that total crude inventories fell by 6.2 million bbl and face a year-over-year deficit of 80 million bbl. The tightened domestic crude supply amid robust global gasoline demand and high global crude demand will likely sustain into the near future the more expensive crude oil prices, which are $20/bbl more compared to last year.

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. Check the latest gas prices anytime by visiting the AAA Gas Prices site.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than three 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 for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.