(PADUCAH, Ky.) — Drivers in West Central Kentucky are seeing continued relief at gas stations this week, with prices dropping 10 cents to an average of $2.757 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s latest Gas Price Report.
The price decrease reflects broader national trends as motorists settle into fall routines and gasoline demand continues to decline. Nationwide, the average price for regular gasoline fell two cents this week to $3.17 per gallon.
“There remains an abundance of crude oil supply which is outweighing demand,” AAA reported. The organization also noted that the seasonal transition to winter-blend gasoline, which is cheaper to produce, is contributing to the downward pressure on prices.
Demand and Supply Shifts
New data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows gasoline demand decreased significantly last week, dropping from 9.11 million barrels per day to 8.50 million. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply increased from 218.5 million barrels to 220 million, even as production decreased to an average of 9.6 million barrels per day.
Despite the production decline, crude oil inventories rose by 3.9 million barrels from the previous week. At 424.6 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories remain about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices rose $1.04 during Wednesday’s trading session to settle at $63.67 per barrel.
Regional Price Variations
Within West Central Kentucky, gas prices vary by location. Paducah drivers are paying an average of $2.734 per gallon, while nearby Owensboro sees slightly lower prices at $2.707. Elizabethtown offers the region’s cheapest gas at $2.643 per gallon, while Louisville drivers face the highest prices at $2.960.
The current West Central Kentucky average of $2.757 represents a decrease from $2.854 one week ago and is slightly lower than the $2.809 average from one year ago. The region’s record high remains $4.742 per gallon, set on June 13, 2022.
National Context
Kentucky ranks among the nation’s ten least expensive gasoline markets at $2.86 per gallon statewide. Mississippi leads with the lowest prices at $2.71, while California tops the list with the highest at $4.63 per gallon.
For electric vehicle owners, the national average cost per kilowatt hour at public charging stations remained steady at 36 cents this week.
Current gas prices for specific locations nationwide can be found at gasprices.aaa.com.