Delaware gas prices moved past the $2.75 mark last week.
Record demand for gasoline in April, unrest in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices resulted in pain at the pump as the national media focused on the issue after relatively little coverage in the past couple of years.
Pennsylvania’s gas prices are the highest in the region this week with the state average hitting the $3 per gallon mark on Wednesday, Wilmington-based AAA Mid-Atlantic reported.
With the May 1 mandated deadline approaching for refineries to switch to producing the more-expensive summer blend, followed by the June 1 date for retailers to make the switch to selling the gas, the rise in prices is likely to continue.
AAA predicts that gas prices may potentially increase by 5 to 10 cents more through Memorial Day, but does not expect the national average to hit $3 a gallon this year, although many states have already reached this benchmark. Gas prices are expected to stabilize this summer, with the understanding that if demand spikes, prices are likely to follow.
CURRENT AND PAST GAS PRICE AVERAGES
Regular Unleaded Gasoline
| 4/29/2018 | Week Ago | Year Ago | |
| National | $2.81 | $2.76 | $2.39 |
| Pennsylvania | $3.02 | $2.96 | $2.65 |
| Philadelphia (5-county) | $3.02 | $2.98 | $2.66 |
| Wilkes-Barre | $3.02 | $2.97 | $2.63 |
| Bloomsburg | $3.02 | $2.98 | $2.66 |
| South Jersey | $2.84 | $2.76 | $2.36 |
| Delaware | $2.76 | $2.67 | $2.33 |
| Crude Oil | $68.10
per barrel (Fri. 4/27/18 |
$68.38
per barrel (Fri. 4/20/18) |
$49.97
per barrel (4/27/17) |
At the close of trading Friday, West Texas Intermediate crude oil settled at $68.10 per barrel, down 28 cents from the previous week.
Crude oil exports surged to 2.331 million barrels per day last week as U.S producers took advantage of the higher prices. Until fairly recently, exports from the U.S. were banned.
The federal government also reported that consumer gasoline demand at 9.857 million barrels per day is the highest level ever on record for the month of April and exceeds typical summer demand measurements.
“Rising gas prices may cause headaches for those planning their next trip, especially as Memorial Day weekend is only a month away,” said Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Consumers can take steps to save on everyday gas prices by properly maintaining their vehicle, adjusting driving habits and using the right fuel for their vehicle.”
AAA offered the following tips:
- Keep the tires properly inflated.
- Change your air filters.
- Check the engine oil.
- Unload your trunk.
- Adjust your driving habits to improve miles per gallon.
- Buy regular unleaded gasoline unless otherwise indicated by your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
- AAA’s Fuel Price Finder is also available to check out prices in your neighborhood. A look at the AAA app shows the recent spike in fuel prices has reduced price variations that previously were as high as a dime a gallon.
