Ohio gas prices fall 8.3 cents this week

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Average retail gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 8.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.18 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 5,345 gas outlets in Ohio. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.34 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Ohio during the past week, prices Sunday were 1.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 19.9 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 5.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 12.5 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.
According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on May 8 in Ohio have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.16 per gallon in 2016, $2.52 per gallon in 2015, $3.67 per gallon in 2014, $3.64 per gallon in 2013, and $3.73 per gallon in 2012.

“Gasoline prices in much of the country are eroding at a time of year when such a downward fall is anything but par for the course,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com. “Prices now lay on the fringe of falling under the same point as last year as this year’s usual spring rally has been the weakest in recent memory.

“Factors playing a role: weak demand and strong production, which continue to weigh on OPEC’s output cut last November designed to cause prices to rise,” DeHaan noted. “The recent drop in crude oil is posing a much more serious threat and OPEC must soon decide how much market share it will sacrifice to keep oil prices higher — clearly the last cut just isn’t enough.

“But while oil remains in focus, U.S. refiners have concluded maintenance season and may soon sputter due to inventories that are bulging with weak gasoline demand the story thus far in 2017, leaving gasoline prices in a weak state — perfect for motorists planning summer road trips,” he added.