Central Ohio gas prices inching up and down in recent weeks
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Central Ohio gas prices and petroleum experts’ predictions of future prices continue to fluctuate with the ebb and flow of market prices throughout the country.
According to GasBuddy’s survey of 500 stations in the Columbus area, the average price at the pump decreased by 8.8 cents last week to reach $3.04 per gallon. The current price is 3.8 cents lower than four weeks ago and 55 cents lower than this time one year ago.
The cheapest gas station in the Columbus area was priced at $2.78 a gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $3.29, a difference of 51 cents per gallon. In Ohio, the average price of gas also fell by 11.7 cents from $3.07 per gallon to $2.95 per gallon.
Nationally, gas prices remained unchanged at $3.10. The price of diesel followed suit with Ohio, falling 2.0 cents, settling at $3.50 per gallon.
While gas prices fell in approximately half of the United States, including Ohio, some states experienced increases, according to head of petroleum analysis with GasBuddy Patrick De Haan, who also noted that prices could stall in recent weeks ahead.
“For now, I expect the national average to bounce around in the $3.10 to $3.20 per gallon range over the coming week, with a continued mixed bag for consumers,” De Haan said. “About half of the states may see prices inch lower, while the other half could experience increases. We'll be watching for any market developments, but for now, the market appears to be in a holding pattern."