Ohio gas prices up; even higher coming?

Submitted information

Average retail gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 3.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.15 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 5,345 gas outlets in Ohio. This compares with the national average, which has increased 4.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.18 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Ohio during the past week, prices Sunday were 24.5 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 4.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has decreased 3.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 14.1 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on December 5 in Ohio have ranged widely over the last five years: $1.91 per gallon in 2015, $2.66 per gallon in 2014, $3.07 per gallon in 2013, $3.38 per gallon in 2012 and $3.19 per gallon in 2011.

“If I had a nickel for every time OPEC said it was going to cut oil production, I could probably buy everyone free gas on Christmas,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. “While OPEC signaled at its meeting in Vienna that it would cut crude oil production, it also created a committee to monitor the reduced production quotas — addressing the issue of cheating — an issue that has been pervasive for the organization.

“For now, oil markets have bid up oil prices in a fury believing the agreement, which comes in to force in January, is exactly what’s needed to balance supply and demand, DeHaan added. “I, however, believe this rally represents a balloon that’s filled with too much air and risks a correction (popping the balloon) that may be seen in due time.

“But as I wait for the balloon to burst, the rally in oil prices will lead to higher gasoline prices in much of the country over the next couple of weeks as prices catch up to the feverish rise in oil prices,” DeHaan noted. “From the east to the west, average prices could rise 5-15 cents a gallon in the week ahead, so motorists should plan accordingly and expect in nearly all communities. OPEC seems to be taking the role of the Grinch this holiday season: the era of low oil prices may be over for now,” DeHaan said.