PENNSYLVANIA — The cost of fuel in Pennsylvania has seen a noticeable uptick over the past week, reflecting a nationwide trend. According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), September’s gas prices across the country are now consistently higher than they were at the same time last year.
A recent analysis from Stacker highlighted that the current price of gasoline in Pennsylvania stands at $3.90 per gallon, marking an increase of $0.04 or 1.0% over the previous week. Compared to the same time last year, the prices have risen by $0.01 or 0.2%. The most expensive gas price recorded in the state was on June 12, 2022, when it reached a staggering $5.07 per gallon.
Analysts are attributing the rise in gas prices to several factors. One major contributor is the elevated cost of gasoline which is reflected in inflation readings, accounting for almost half of the inflation increase in August, according to data from the Department of Labor.
Additionally, the decrease in oil refinery utilization in Midwestern states could potentially result in higher gas prices for residents in the coming weeks, as reported by GasBuddy. This comes despite hopes that gas prices will cool off with the transition to winter fuel blends. During summer, a more costly blend of fuel is distributed to control emissions.
In terms of diesel prices in Pennsylvania, the current price is $4.74 per gallon, showing a weekly increase of $0.06 or 1.2%. However, the yearly change shows a decrease of $0.41 or 7.9%. The historical high for diesel prices in the state was on May 18, 2022, when it reached $6.33 per gallon.
The cities of Erie, Philadelphia, and Gettysburg currently have the most expensive gas prices in Pennsylvania, at $3.95, $3.94, and $3.92 per gallon, respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, the cities with the least expensive gas prices include Bloomsburg-Berwick and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, both at $3.82 per gallon.
Nationwide, the states with the most expensive gas are California ($5.53), Washington ($5.04), and Hawaii ($4.81). Conversely, the states with the least expensive gas are Mississippi ($3.31), Louisiana ($3.41), and Alabama ($3.43).
As we move into the colder months, all eyes will be on the fluctuating fuel prices and the impact they could have on the economy and consumers’ wallets.
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