Gas prices drop slightly in region, across nation
For a second consecutive week, gasoline prices dipped a bit in Western Pennsylvania.
They dropped 2.3 cents this week to an average of $3.124 for a gallon of unleaded self-serve, according to a report from AAA East Central. That figure is 52.7 cents higher than it was a year ago, at $2.597.
Pennsylvania’s prices fell three cents from last week to $3.07 per gallon. Prices declined in all states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region.
Regional inventories increased by 2.2 million barrels to 67 million, a likely factor in the diminished pump prices. Yet, that total is 2 million barrels down from a year ago, according to the Energy Information Administration.
Washington’s price held fairly steady at $3.135, which ranks 14th among 22 Western Pennsylvania cities and towns listed by AAA. Altoona ($2.981) was the only location with an average below $3.00 per gallon. Brookville ($3.261) the highest average.
The U.S. average is $2.92, a three-cent drop since last week and four-cent dip since the beginning of June. But that price is six cents higher than a month ago and 58 cents above the level of a year ago.