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Maryland Sees Second Largest Increase at the Gas Pumps In Country This Week

September 25th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Since Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has decreased by a penny.  Today’s national average of $3.18 is down a cent compared to this time last week, but is three cents more than a month ago and is 99 cents more than a year ago.

Here in Maryland, today’s average of $3.09 is up five cents on the week and is 86 cents more than last year on this date. The statewide increase makes it the second largest in the nation. Delaware saw the largest week over week spike with an increase of eight cents.

“The regional spike is likely due to the continued aftermath of Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas, as well as lower supply levels, but with refinery utilization up on the East Coast, we could begin to see some relief in terms of supply and cheaper prices, especially with decreasing seasonal demand,” said Ragina C. Ali, Public and Government Affairs Manager at AAA Mid-Atlantic.

It’s also important to note that gasoline prices fluctuate based on geography. “A key factor is the distance from the supply (pipeline),” Ali said. “And with a shortage of truck drivers, gas stations may be accounting for higher transportation costs, as well.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 3.5 million bbl to 221.6 million bbl last week. Gasoline demand remained low at 8.90 million b/d and flat from the previous week, helping to put downward pressure on pump prices nationally.

“The easing in national prices is likely caused by the traditional post-Labor Day/end of summer driving season drop in demand,” said Ragina C. Ali, Public and Government Affairs Manager at AAA Mid-Atlantic.

CURRENT AND PAST GAS PRICE AVERAGES 

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

 

Today

Week Ago

Month Ago

Year Ago

National

$3.18

$3.19

$3.15

$2.19

Maryland

$3.09

$3.04

$3.02

$2.23

Annapolis

$3.08

$3.02

$3.02

$2.22

Baltimore

$3.08

$3.01

$3.00

$2.22

Cumberland

$3.08

$3.06

$2.99

$2.19

Frederick

$3.00

$2.99

$2.95

$2.23

Hagerstown

$2.99

$2.99

$2.96

$2.23

Salisbury

$3.08

$3.00

$2.99

$2.19

Washington Suburbs
(MD only)

$3.13

$3.11

$3.10

$2.28