Gas Prices Falling in Great Lakes States

The national average gasoline price on Monday of this week was $3.61 for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline, according to AAA’s most recent Fuel Gauge Report. This price is down 2 cents from last week but up 10 cents compared to the same day last year. Drivers in 26 states were paying more than they did the previous week, as of Monday, but increases were limited to 6 cents per gallon or less.

In 10 states, gas prices have fallen at least six cents between June 10 and June 17. They include a drop of 15 cents or more in four of the Great Lakes states, with prices falling 15 cents in Wisc., 18 cents in Ohio, 23 cents in Ind., and 27 cents in Mich.

The national average price has moved up due to major increases in the Great Lakes states, caused by low supplies and transportation challenges for wholesale gasoline in the Chicago area marketplace. Maintenance at the ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Ill., and the BP refinery in Whiting, Ind., contributed to the record price increases seen in late May and throughout June, according to AAA.

Regarding oil prices and their impact on gasoline prices, West Texas Intermediate has traded in a $5 per barrel range and stayed around $97 per barrel recently, AAA stated. Although oil prices have remained relatively stable, gas prices have been subject to the regional supply issues noted above. Also, putting upward pressure on oil prices in the global marketplace, despite increased oil production in the U.S., is worry over the conflict in Syria spreading to other nations in the region.

Regarding the outlook for gas prices, the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects the price to average $3.53 per gallon throughout the summer driving season (Apr. through Sept.), though the agency noted that these projects are uncertain.