Pittsburgh gas prices remain steady as national average moves higher

The national average price of gasoline increased in the last week, but is unchanged in the Pittsburgh area, according to price tracking service GasBuddy.

According to GasBuddy, the national average rose 2.3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.29 on Monday. That’s 5.5 cents per gallon less than a month ago, but 97.5 cents more than a year ago, according to data from 150,000 stations across the country.

In the Pittsburgh area, the average was unchanged at $3.51, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 731 stations. That’s 2.6 cents per gallon less than a month ago, but 91.2 cents more than a year ago.

Prices in the Pittsburgh area ranged from $3.15 to $3.69. Statewide, the lowest price was $3.10; the highest, $4.29.

“Oil prices have remained stubbornly strong, touching nearly $80 per barrel last week, pushing gasoline prices higher even as U.S. gasoline demand starts to struggle. Some of this is typical seasonal weakness, but the lack of demand is likely enhanced by omicron cases surging and Americans who are just a bit more hesitant to get out right now,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

“In addition, unrest in Kazakhstan, the 18th largest oil producer, is likely leading to impacts on oil production, while continued unrest in Libya also worries markets and overpowers the seasonal drop in gasoline demand,” he said. “Without improvement or stability in oil producing countries, we’re likely to continue to see upward pressure on oil prices.”