Gas prices down slightly, but Barry could change things

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After two weeks of dramatic increases due to East Coast refinery issues, Delaware Valley motorists have seen  stability at the  pumps since the July 4th holiday weekend. 

However, prices could return to an upward tick, albeit slight and short-term, in the coming days as a result of Tropical Storm Barry in the Gulf of Mexico and higher crude oil prices, Wilmington-based AAA Mid-Atlantic reported. 

CURRENT AND PAST GAS PRICE AVERAGES
Regular Unleaded Gasoline (*indicates record high)

 

7/12/19

Week Ago

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Year Ago

National

$2.77

$2.75

$2.88

Pennsylvania

$2.92

$2.91

$3.05

Philadelphia
(5-county)

$2.93

$2.93

$3.08

South Jersey

$2.76

$2.77

$2.86

Delaware

$2.59

$2.61

$2.82

Crude Oil

$60.21
per barrel
(Fri. 7/12/19 close)

$57.51
per barrel
(Fri. 7/5/19 close)

$71.01
per barrel
(7/13/18)

 

At the close of NYMEX trading Friday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled at $60.21 per barrel, $2.70 higher than last Friday’s close. Crude prices rose to  their highest price since May on Wednesday.

Prices were affected  by a fourth consecutive week of declines in U.S. crude oil inventories, tensions with Iran and the development of a Tropical Storm in the Gulf of Mexico, which has temporarily shut down platforms, rigs and refineries in the region. The price increase is also a reaction to OPEC’s agreement to extend production cuts until March 2020.

“Following two weeks of price increases due to refinery issues on the East Coast, local drivers have noticed stability in pump prices since the July 4th holiday weekend,” said Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “However, rising crude prices and the effects of Tropical Storm Barry on the Gulf Coast’s refining, production and delivery operations may change that.”

Crude oil could continue its climb in  coming days and weeks depending on the impact Tropical Storm Barry has on the southeastern U.S. and the refineries, rigs and platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

The potential for widespread flooding is great, which would result in refining and production disruptions, resulting in tighter supplies of gasoline and an increase in gas prices.

The Gulf offshore region accounts for 16 percent of U.S. crude oil output according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). More than 45 percent of U.S. refining capacity and 51 percent of gas processing takes place along the Gulf Coast.

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