CINCINNATI, OH (March 5, 2018) Following three weeks of pump price declines, half of the country is seeing gas prices climb as much as 9 cents on the week. At $2.53, the national gas prices average is one cent more than last Monday with 25 states seeing gas prices increases. That being said, today, 63% of motorists in the United States can fill up for $2.50/gallon or less.

“So far this year we’ve seen fluctuating crude oil prices, strong gasoline demand and new U.S. oil production records creating a volatile gas price market from month to month for consumers,” said Jenifer Moore, AAA spokeswoman. “Typically, March brings more expensive pricing as days get longer, weather gets warmer and refinery’s gear up to switch over to pricier summer blends.”

Today, gas prices are averaging 8 cents cheaper from last month. However, they are still 22 cents more expensive than this time last year.

Ohio Gas Prices Largest Increase in the Country with Nine Cent Jump

Gas prices have increased for the majority of states in the region on the week. With a 9-cent jump, Ohio is seeing the largest increase in the country and region followed by Indiana (+8 cents) and Kansas (+4 cents). Only four of the 13 states in the region saw prices decrease: Iowa (-2 cents), Kentucky (-1 cent), Minnesota (-1 cent) and North Dakota (-1 cent).

Spring Driving Season Will Be Costly At the Pump

AAA recently released its quarterly gas price evaluation, which indicated that drivers can expect to pay more at the pump.  AAA forecasts the national gas price average will be as much as $2.70/gallon this spring – a costly pump price Americans have not paid since summer of 2015 when prices hit $2.81. 

A new AAA survey found the vast majority of consumers would change their driving habits or lifestyle to offset higher gas prices.

• One in four say they would start making changes at $2.75, while 40 percent say $3.00 is their tipping point.
• Changes consumers said they would make include combining errands or trips (79%), driving less (73%), reducing shopping or dining out (61%), delaying major purchases (50%) and driving more fuel-efficient vehicles (46%).

A regional survey of Midwest consumers found that 74 percent would change their driving habits or lifestyle to offset higher gas prices.

AAA does not expect the national gas price to be reminiscent of 2011-2014, when motorists were paying on average $3.47/gallon. While some states, like California, may see $4/gallon, it will be temporary. 

“If motorists are planning spring break road trips, now is the time to consider how much it will cost to travel to their destination with AAA’s gas cost calculator”, continues Moore.

AAA offers a few ways to conserve fuel:

• Slow down. The faster you drive the more fuel you use. Every 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.18 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy.
• Share work or school rides by carpooling or consider public transportation.
• Do not use your trunk for storage. The heavier your car, the more fuel it uses.
• Combine errands. If possible, park in a central spot and walk from place to place. 

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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 (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.