Gas price drop continues in Delaware

The average gas price in Delaware has fallen by 15 cents a gallon during the past week, according to AAA.

Despite tepid demand with fewer drivers visiting the pump, the national average for a gallon of gas has fallen slowly. That was not the case in Delaware, which posted the second-biggest price change during the past week. By contrast, California saw a 24-cent increase.

Competition played a part in Delaware’s price drop. Sheetz, a convenience store rival of Wawa and Royal Farms, opened a store near the Delaware line in Elkton, MD, leading to price declines along the border.    

  “Oil is stubbornly staying above $90 per barrel for now, and it’s the main ingredient in gasoline,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “Gas prices will likely keep falling, but it’s going to be slow and unsteady, so expect some days where it might edge higher a bit.”  

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose slightly from 8.41 to 8.62 million barrels a day last week; however, it is below last year’s rate of 8.83 million barrels a day during the same week in September of last year.

Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 1 million barrelsl to 220.5 million barrels. Growing supply, amid tepid demand, has pushed prices lower. Still, fluctuating oil prices have limited seasonal price decreases typically seen as the country settles into the lower-demand fall driving season. 

The market is concerned that tight supply may not be robust enough to meet demand for the remainder of 2023. As a result, the price of oil could climb higher and keep pump prices elevated this fall.

Drivers can find current gas prices along their routes using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.