Delaware gas prices on Monday were down two cents from a week earlier, Wilmington-based AAA Mid-Atlantic reported.
The average gas price has remained stable at around $3 a gallon.
As the summer driving season continues, local drivers will pay between 70 cents and $1 more than one year ago.
Some movement was seen among independents that sometimes are well below the average price that is typically charged convenience store chains Wawa and Royal Farms who are often the prime leaders.
A Citgo station in Middletown posted a $2.84 a gallon price for regular. The pricing pushed down the average price in Middletown as a nearby Wawa was charging $2.92, below the $2.98 to $2.99 charged at many of its other stations.
A BP and a Gulf station on Concord Pike in north Wilmington listed $2.85, with the Costco and Sam’s membership clubs were at $2.86. Prices are subject to change.
In its latest weekly report, the Energy Information Administration reported that gas demand grew slightly last week. In addition, total domestic gas stocks saw a slight decline. These trends have helped to stabilize price increases.
Crude oil prices have fluctuated in the past week, and if they stay less expensive, lower prices could be ahead.
AAA still expects the national average to remain above $3 per gallon throughout the summer.
| Today’s Average | One Week Ago | One Month Ago | One Year Ago | |
| National | $3.15 | $3.17 | $3.09 | $2.18 |
| Delaware | $2.98 | $3.00 | $2.98 | $2.24 |
| Dover | $2.98 | $2.99 | $2.97 | $2.23 |
| Milford/Seaford | $2.99 | $2.99 | $2.98 | $2.24 |
| Wilmington/Newark | $2.99 | $3.01 | $2.98 | $2.25 |
| Maryland | $3.04 | $3.04 | $3.00 | $2.28 |
At the close of NYMEX trading Friday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled at $72.07 per barrel, 26 cents higher than last Friday’s close.
Earlier this week, crude prices tumbled to $66 per barrel due to market concerns that the spread of the Covid-19 delta variant will slow potential economic growth.
Market concern about the ongoing pandemic has reversed, helping to push crude prices higher. Prices have increased despite EIA reporting that total domestic crude inventories rose last week and plans by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to increase production next month.
“It’s been a cruel summer at the gas pump with prices showing little signs of relief,” said Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Although Delaware Valley drivers are paying more than last year, it’s not stopping them from filling up and taking that Great American Road Trip this summer.”
Check out prices in your neighborhood with AAA’s Fuel Price Finder (http://www.AAA.com/fuelfinder).
