VIRGINIA BEACH — The national average for a gallon of gas dipped two cents since last week to $3.22, according to AAA.
Noting gas prices had been falling by more than twice as much recently, AAA said the arrival of Hurricane Francine to the Gulf Coast created some temporary issues for nearby oil production and refining.
“Gasoline prices have been plunging lately and it is not uncommon to see them take a bit of a breather during hurricane season,” said Ryan Adcock, AAA Tidewater spokesperson. “Gasoline demand and oil costs are low, so pump prices may soon resume a slow descent. There are 14 states with averages below $3 a gallon, and several more may soon follow.”
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased slightly last week from 8.47 million barrels per day to 8.77 million. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks remained flat at 221.6 million barrels, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.7 million barrels per day. Lackluster gasoline demand and low oil costs will likely keep pump prices sliding, AAA said.
Thursday’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.22, 19 cents less than a month ago and 66 cents less than a year ago.
According to AAA, these 10 states have seen the largest changes in their averages since last Thursday:
- Ohio (+10 cents)
- Washington, D.C. -9 cents
- Maine -8 cents
- New Hampshire —-8 cents
- Virginia -7 cents
- New Mexico -7 cents
- Connecticut -7 cents
- Michigan +6 cents
- Utah -6 cents
- Rhode Island -6 cents
Locally, the gas price average for the Commonwealth decreased to $3.01. Thursday’s price is seven cents lower than a week ago and 27 cents lower than a month ago. In Hampton Roads, prices decreased six cents to $2.91 — 25 cents lower than last month and 66 cents lower than a year ago.
