(PADUCAH, Ky.)-West Central Kentucky drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump this week, with gas prices climbing eight cents to $2.876 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s latest Gas Price Report. This regional increase stands in contrast to the national trend, where prices dropped by two cents to $3.13 per gallon.
Mixed Signals in the Energy Market
While Kentucky motorists face higher costs, the broader energy picture presents a complex landscape. Crude oil remains stable in the mid-$60s per barrel range, with West Texas Intermediate closing Wednesday at $64.35 after falling 81 cents during trading. This price stability reflects abundant global supply conditions, bolstered by OPEC+ member countries’ recent commitment to increase production next month—continuing a pattern of production boosts throughout the year.
The Energy Information Administration’s latest data reveals shifting demand patterns. Gasoline consumption decreased from 9.15 million barrels per day to 9.04 million barrels, while domestic supplies contracted from 228.4 million to 227.1 million barrels. Production also declined, averaging 9.8 million barrels daily. Meanwhile, crude oil inventories dropped by 3 million barrels, leaving U.S. stocks at 423.7 million barrels—approximately 6% below typical levels for this time of year.
Regional Price Variations
The national average sits four cents below last month’s figure and 31 cents lower than the same period last year. However, regional disparities remain significant across West Central Kentucky communities:
- Bowling Green: $2.902
- Elizabethtown: $2.914
- Louisville: $3.086
- Owensboro: $2.678
- Paducah: $2.798
For perspective, today’s West Central Kentucky average of $2.876 compares to $2.793 one week ago and $3.131 a year ago. The region’s all-time high of $4.742 was recorded on June 13, 2022.
National Price Extremes
Across the United States, price variations reflect regional supply chains and tax structures. California leads the nation’s most expensive markets at $4.49 per gallon, followed by Hawaii ($4.46) and Washington ($4.40). Conversely, Mississippi offers the lowest prices at $2.71, with Texas ($2.75) and Oklahoma ($2.76) close behind.
Electric Vehicle Charging Costs
Electric vehicle owners continue to pay a national average of 36 cents per kilowatt hour at public charging stations, unchanged from the previous week. However, state-by-state variations are dramatic, ranging from West Virginia’s 52 cents per kilowatt hour to Kansas’s 25 cents.
The charging cost landscape shows interesting regional patterns, with several Southern states appearing among both the most and least expensive options. West Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina rank among the costliest, while Kansas, Missouri, and Maryland offer more affordable rates.
For current pricing information across all regions, motorists can visit gasprices.aaa.com to access nationwide, statewide, and county-level data.