Pittsburgh-area gas prices unchanged as national rates rise

Gas prices in the Pittsburgh area remained unchanged from a week ago, while the national average continues to rise, according to price-tracking service GasBuddy.

“It’s no surprise that (the national average for) gasoline prices have increased for the sixth straight week as gasoline demand has hit its highest level since early March as Americans are returning to the roads,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

Oil prices are rising on increasing demand and OPEC production cuts, but demand for oil is still 20% to 25% less than a year ago, De Haan said.

“I believe the anxiety pushing oil prices up is coming from the fact that the economy may be recovering quicker than most anticipated,” he said. “For now, motorists will likely continue to see gas prices rising for the weeks ahead.”

In the Pittsburgh area, the average price remained $2.33 a gallon, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 731 stations. That’s 17.9 cents per gallon more than a month ago, but 62.3 cents less than a year ago.

Prices in the Pittsburgh area range from $2.07 to $2.59 a gallon. Statewide, prices range from $1.92 to $2.89 a gallon.

The national average is up 4.3 cents per gallon to $2.02. That’s 19.8 cents per gallon more than a month ago, but 72.5 cents less than a year ago.

Surrounding areas and their current gas prices:

• Akron — $2.10, up 2.9 cents a gallon from last week.

• Cleveland — $2.06, up 2.3 cents a gallon from last week.

• West Virginia — $1.96, up 3.1 cents a gallon from last week.