VIRGINIA BEACH — Faced with a rare November hurricane churning in the gulf, the national average for a gallon of gas only fell by three cents since last week to $3.10, according to AAA.
“Gas prices often freeze as a hurricane enters the gulf and oil production and refining are threatened,” said Ryan Adcock, AAA Tidewater spokesperson. “But once Hurricane Rafael passes, pump prices should soon regain their downward momentum.”
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand slid from 9.15 million barrels per day last week to 8.82. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 210.9 million barrels to 211.3, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.7 million barrels daily.
Thursday’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.10, seven cents less than a month ago and 30 cents less than a year ago.
Locally, the gas price average for the Commonwealth decreased to $3.00 — three cents lower than a week ago and four cents lower than a month ago. In Hampton Roads, prices decreased three cents to $2.86, which is five cents lower than a month ago and 24 cents lower than a year ago.
