Pittsburgh gas prices fall while national average ticks upward

The average price of gasoline is down in Pittsburgh despite a slight increase in the national average, according to GasBuddy price tracking.

Pittsburgh gas prices have fallen 2.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.86, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 731 stations. That’s 9.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, but 27.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Prices in neighboring areas:

• Akron: $2.35 per gallon, down 8.1 cents from last week

• Cleveland: $2.52 per gallon, down 8.9 cents from last week

• West Virginia: $2.55 per gallon, down 2.1 cents from last week

The national average is up 0.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.65. That’s 9.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, but 25.3 cents per gallon less than a year ago.

Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, said the national average could come down by 5 cents in the coming week due to lower oil prices and continued worry over tariffs and trade, with China and now Europe after the World Trade Organization agreed with the U.S. that Airbus was getting favorable treatment.

“Many motorists may scoff at such an issue affecting gas prices, but indeed, the threat of tariffs between such large trading partners is a serious issue that could result in slowdowns in both areas, leaving demand for oil lower and thus weighing on oil prices as a result,” he said.