Refinery issues could offset lower prices cheaper winter gas typically brings, analyst says

While one in five states has seen average gasoline prices decline in the past week, an industry analyst says, Pennsylvania is not one of them.

According to price-tracking service GasBuddy, the national average increased nearly 5 cents per gallon in the past week to about $3.83. That’s a penny less than a month ago but about 20 cents higher than a year ago.

According to AAA, Pennsylvania’s average also was up about 5 cents per gallon to $3.91 on Monday. That’s about the same as a month ago, but about 5 cents higher than a year ago.

The national average increased because of continued refinery challenges in the Western U.S. that have pulled gas prices up considerably in some states, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

“With the transition back to cheaper winter gasoline now upon us in nearly every state, we should see prices eventually cooling back off, but if refinery issues continue to develop or linger, especially now that we’re entering maintenance season with less available capacity online, the expected decline could certainly be offset,” he said.

“In addition, with oil prices now above $91 for the first time in nearly a year, there remains some offset from the rising price of oil thanks to Saudi Arabia and Russia’s war on low oil prices, now in its third month.”

In Pennsylvania, county averages ranged from $3.78 to $4 per gallon on Monday, AAA reported. Averages in Pittsburgh-area counties:

• Allegheny: $3.89

• Armstrong: $3.85

• Beaver: $3.88

• Butler: $3.88

• Washington: $3.86

• Westmoreland: $3.90

GasBuddy reported the Pittsburgh region’s average at $3.87 per gallon, based on its survey of 731 stations in the area. That’s about 7 cents per gallon more than a week ago and 3 cents higher than a month ago, but 4 cents less than a year ago.

Prices in the Pittsburgh area range from $3.36 to $3.99 per gallon, a difference of 63 cents per gallon, according to GasBuddy.

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices, according to GasBuddy:

• Akron: $3.61, up 15 cents per gallon from last week.

• Cleveland: $3.62, up 11 cents from last week.

• West Virginia: $3.63, up 5 cents from last week.