China trade deal could reverse relief at gas pump

Gas prices have come down a bit in Pittsburgh in the past week, although they’re still higher than they were both a month and a year ago.

Prices in the Pittsburgh region are down 2.1 cents per gallon to an average of $3.12, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 731 stations. That’s 7.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and 4.7 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

Prices in Pittsburgh range from a low of $2.75 up to $3.25.

The national average is also down by 3.8 cents to an average of $2.85. That’s 2.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and 1.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

The cheapest price nationwide is $1.99, while the most expensive is $5.65.

“Relief at the pump has indeed begun across the country with a majority of states seeing average prices decline versus a week ago, giving solid evidence the worst is likely behind us,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

“However, the potential lightning rod of a U.S./China trade deal is perhaps the only prospect that could bring a return to higher prices,” he said.