AAA: West Central KY Gas Prices Jump Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend
https://us.vocuspr.com/Publish/519775/vcsPRAsset_519775_105650_6cedf1fd-d3b9-46aa-8c17-74c4c796a240_0.jpg West Central KY Gas Prices Jump Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend Gas prices in West Central Kentucky rose by five cents this week to $2.229 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. On the National Front National gas prices are increasing for the first time in four weeks, with today’s average at $2.36/gallon – two cents more than a week ago, six cents less than a month ago, but eight cents more than a year ago. The increases are likely the result of rising demand and crude oil prices. At least 36 states saw price increases on the week, with national gasoline inventories dropping by 400,000 barrels to 240.7 million. AAA projects that more than 34 million Americans are planning to take a road trip this Memorial Day weekend– the highest level since 2005. The rise in road travel could pressure pump prices to continue to increase into the summer months, potentially returning to the higher national averages seen in April. Statewide, Kentucky’s gas prices rose three cents on the week. Great Lakes and Central States gasoline inventories dropped by 1.5 million barrels, the biggest draws in the country. Regional gas price increases are in-line with growing national demand and the region’s drop in gasoline inventory. After a strong finish to last week’s trading, crude made strong gains on Monday morning and stayed above $50 per barrel. The jump is due to a weaker dollar and comes ahead of OPEC’s meeting on Thursday in Austria to discuss extending the already agreed upon production cuts through the remainder of the year – and possibly through the first quarter of 2018. Only time will tell if OPEC’s actions will curtail growing inventories, especially as the U.S. continues to benefit from historic rates of exploration. Unprecedented growth in the exploration sector will continue to put new oil in the production pipeline for refineries. If gas prices continue to increase, refiners will capitalize on the potential to expand profit margins and continue producing record amounts of gasoline. With Memorial Day around the corner, these dynamics and growing demand could lead to higher prices at the pump for road travelers. This week’s average prices: Western Central KY Average              $2.229 Average price during the week of May 15, 2017                        $2.181 Average price during the week of May 23, 2016                      $2.281 The following is a list of the average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas: $2.114     Bowling Green $2.171     Elizabethtown $2.561     Louisville $2.150     Owensboro $2.150     Paducah Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile (http://aaa.com/mobile) . AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 81 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. Past news releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com (file:///C:\Users\e659879\Documents\news.eastcentral.aaa.com) . Follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/AAAECentral) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AAAEastCentral/) . For More Information, Contact: Jim Garrity, Public & Community Relations Manager Desk: 412-365-7274 / Cell: 412-905-9021 / Email: Garrity.James@aaaec.com (mailto:Garrity.James@aaaec.com) -AAA- ______________________ If you would rather not receive future communications from AAA East Central, please go to http://AAAEC.pr-optout.com/OptOut.aspx?519775x25590x88570x2x472868x24000x6&Email=submit%40theautochannel.com. AAA East Central, 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 United States
