Ohio gasoline prices increase this week

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Average retail gasoline prices in Ohio have risen 7.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.38 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 1 cent per gallon in the last week to $2.42 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Ohio during the past week, prices Sunday were 21.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 24 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 13 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 28 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on April 24 in Ohio have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.17 per gallon in 2016, $2.48 per gallon in 2015, $3.73 per gallon in 2014, $3.62 per gallon in 2013, and $3.68 per gallon in 2012.

“Gasoline prices saw another weekly lift, yet have begun to slow their ascent in recent days,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com. “Since mid-February, average gasoline prices have risen 17 cents — a far cry from the 41-cent gain during the same time a year ago.

“While the annual spring spike remains subdued, prices do remain 28 cents higher than a year ago, though the gap has narrowed,” DeHaan added. “Overall, I would be surprised if we see the national average rise substantially more, since the deadline for refiners to switch over to summer gasoline is nearly here.

“In addition, U.S. oil production numbers are up, keeping pressure on oil prices, while gasoline inventories remain very healthy,” DeHaan noted.” While we may see the national average rise to the low side of our previous predictions of $2.51-$2.83 per gallon for May, we’re unlikely to see anything higher, which is certainly good news for motorists.”