The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline slipped a penny this week to $3.19 as demand declines and refiners begin the seasonal switch to winter-blend fuel, which is cheaper to produce, according to AAA and federal energy data.
The Energy Information Administration reported gasoline demand dropped from 9.11 million barrels per day last week to 8.50 million, while supply increased to 220 million barrels. Crude oil inventories rose by 3.9 million barrels to 424.6 million, though that remains about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year. West Texas Intermediate crude closed Wednesday up $1.04 at $63.67 a barrel.
California continues to lead the nation with the highest average gas price at $4.63 a gallon, followed by Washington at $4.61 and Hawaii at $4.47. The lowest averages were reported in Mississippi at $2.71, Louisiana at $2.79 and Arkansas at $2.79.
One year ago, the national average stood at $3.25.
On the electric vehicle side, the national average price for charging at public stations held steady at 36 cents per kilowatt hour. Alaska had the highest average at 51 cents, while Kansas posted the lowest at 25 cents.
Drivers can track current fuel and charging costs using AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner.
