CINCINNATI, Oh. (May 6, 2019)— Gas prices are fluctuating across the Great Lakes and Central region states with Ohio (+6 cents) and Kentucky (-3 cents) seeing the biggest jump and decline on the week. The majority of states saw prices shift by just a penny or hold steady.

Today’s average price for regular gas in Ohio is $2.75 per gallon, nearly 10 cents more than this time a year ago.  Locally, Cincinnati drivers are paying $2.81 per gallon, which is six cents more than the state average and 12 cents more expensive than this time last year.

While Kentucky’s average is three cents less on the week at $2.69 per gallon, drivers in the state are paying the same as this time last year.

Illinois ($3.01) carries the most expensive gas price average in the region. Indiana ($2.90) and Michigan ($2.89) have the second and third most expensive average, respectively, followed by Wisconsin ($2.83). Missouri ($2.59) and Kansas ($2.63) tout the cheapest prices in the region.

Amid refinery issues, the EIA reports the region saw utilization drop from 91.8 to 85.9 percent. Despite this, stocks increased marginally by 200,000 bbl to total 50.7 million bbl and the region saw only moderate fluctuation. If utilization falls further, motorists in the region can expect gas prices to increase especially as heading into summer stocks sit at a nearly 6 million deficit compared to the same time last year.

National Gas Prices Outlook

With the national gas price average at $2.89 – just a penny more expensive than last week – the majority of states are seeing moderate jumps and even declines at the pump. Today’s average is 16 cents more than last month and eight cents more expensive than this time last year.

Quick stats

• The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Alabama ($2.50), Mississippi ($2.52), Louisiana ($2.52), South Carolina ($2.53), Arkansas ($2.55), Oklahoma ($2.59), Missouri ($2.59), Tennessee ($2.60), Texas ($2.60) and Kansas ($2.63).

   

• The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: Utah (+14 cents), Idaho (+9 cents), Florida (+6 cents), Ohio (+6 cents), Alaska (+5 cents), Colorado (+5 cents), Nevada (+5 cents), Delaware (-4 cents), Arizona (+3 cents) and Kentucky (-3 cents). 

AAA provides motorists some simple tips for improving fuel economy and stretching a tank of gas farther between fill-ups:

• Observe the speed limit. Not only is it safer, it can help you save money.
• Lose the weight. The heavier your car, the more fuel it uses.
• Accelerate gradually. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
• Drive during cooler parts of the day. Cooler, denser air can boost power and mileage.
• Maintain recommended tire pressure. Low pressure reduces fuel economy and can damage tires.

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

AAA members can also 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.

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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.