Gas prices continue slow fall amid trade tensions, production increase

The national average price of gasoline has continued a slow retreat in most states in the last week, according to GasBuddy.

“With a trade deal with China seemingly more and more unlikely, we may continue to see weakness in oil and gasoline prices,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

“Of course the trade tensions are not the only issue we’re monitoring for now, but we continue to believe that additional slow relief will trickle to pumps in the next week as more refiners get back into the game and boost production,” he said. “I expect the bulk of states to see lower gas prices continue just in time for Memorial Day while some, inevitably, will see increases.”

In Pittsburgh, the gas prices have fallen 1.9 cents per gallon to an average of $3.10, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 731 stations. That’s 5.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, but 4.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Pittsburgh prices range from a low of $2.87 per gallon up to $3.29, a difference of 42 cents per gallon. Statewide, prices range from $2.74 up to $3.29, a difference of 55 cents.

The national average has fallen 2.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.84. That’s down 0.6 cents per gallon from a month ago, and is 8.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.