Pa. likely to see jump in gas prices over next 2 weeks

Pennsylvania is among 45 of the nation’s 50 states that saw average gas prices rise over the past week, with more hikes likely within the next couple of weeks, an industry analyst said.

At $83 per barrel, oil is at its highest price of the year, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

“While the rising price of oil is likely the largest factor in rising gas prices, seasonal impacts continue to also exert pressure on prices,” he said. “With the Northeast making the final step in the transition to summer gasoline this week, states in that region should expect a sharp rise in gasoline prices over the next week or two. Every other region has already seen the final step in the transition occur, so while other areas will see prices continue to slowly rise, the Northeast is likely to see a pretty hefty jump of 15 to 40 cents per gallon soon.”

On Wednesday, De Haan said the increase in Pennsylvania will be less, in the range of 5-to-15 cents per gallon.

While the price of oil remains a wildcard, the national average is likely a few weeks away from its peak, De Haan said.

“Whether it hits $4 per gallon or not is still perhaps a 50/50 chance,” he said.

Here's your final warning. If you live in PA, MD, DE, NY, RI, MA, VT, NH or ME, the time to fill up is now. You're going to soon see #gasprices jump 15-25c/gal. https://t.co/CUHCd0gsVn

— Patrick De Haan ⛽️???? (@GasBuddyGuy) April 17, 2023

AAA reported the national average Monday at $3.67 per gallon. That’s about 7 cents higher than a week ago and about 22 cents higher than a month ago, but about 41 cents less than a year ago.

Nationwide, state averages ranged from about $3.17 per gallon in Mississippi to $4.92 in California, according to AAA.

The average in Pennsylvania was about $3.77 per gallon, AAA reported. That’s about 8 cents higher than a week ago and about 16 cents higher than a month ago, but about 40 cents less than a year ago.

County averages across the state ranged from about $3.70 to $3.89 per gallon, with the highest averages mainly in the southwest corner of the state, according to AAA.

County averages in the Pittsburgh area:

• Allegheny: $3.84

• Armstrong: $3.84

• Beaver: $3.84

• Butler: $3.86

• Washington: $3.83

• Westmoreland: $3.87

GasBuddy reported the Pittsburgh-area average at $3.85, based on its survey of 731 stations. That’s 13 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, but 32 cents lower than a year ago.

Prices in the Pittsburgh area range from $3.53 to $3.99 per gallon, a difference of 46 cents, according to GasBuddy price reports. Statewide, prices ranged from $3.29 to $4.45 per gallon, a difference of $1.16.

Neighboring areas and their current prices, according to GasBuddy:

• Akron: $3.58, down 8 cents per gallon from last week.

• Cleveland: $3.59, down 6 cents per gallon from last week.

• West Virginia: $3.56, down 1 cent per gallon from last week.