(MURRAY, Ky.) — Drivers in West Central Kentucky are paying a little more at the pump this week, with the average price of unleaded gasoline rising two cents to $4.198 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s weekly Gas Price Report.
The modest regional increase mirrors a broader national trend of sustained high prices. The national average currently sits at $4.52 per gallon — seven cents higher than last week, 39 cents more than a month ago, and $1.39 above where prices stood one year ago. Analysts note that pump prices have not reached these levels since the summer of 2022.
What’s Driving the Prices?
Crude oil markets have shown some relief in recent days, with West Texas Intermediate falling $7.19 to settle at $95.08 per barrel at the close of Wednesday’s trading session — dipping below $100 amid ongoing negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, experts say global supply concerns continue to put upward pressure on gasoline prices despite the crude oil dip.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that domestic gasoline demand fell last week from 9.10 million barrels per day to 8.81 million. Total gasoline supply also declined, dropping from 222.3 million barrels to 219.8 million, while production averaged 9.6 million barrels per day. U.S. crude oil inventories decreased by 2.3 million barrels week-over-week, though at 457.2 million barrels, stockpiles remain roughly 1% above the five-year average for this time of year.
Local Price Breakdown
Among cities across the region, Louisville is seeing the highest prices at $4.369 per gallon. Other local averages include:
- Bowling Green: $4.144
- Elizabethtown: $4.148
- Owensboro: $4.165
- Paducah: $4.163
West Central Kentucky’s current average of $4.198 remains well below the region’s all-time record of $4.742, set on June 13, 2022, though it represents a significant jump from the $2.744 average recorded one year ago.
National Picture
California continues to lead the nation in highest gas prices at $6.15 per gallon, followed by Washington ($5.76) and Hawaii ($5.65). Drivers in Oklahoma are faring best at $3.94 per gallon — the lowest in the country.
For electric vehicle drivers, the national average for public charging held steady this week at 41 cents per kilowatt hour. Kansas offers the cheapest public charging in the nation at 29 cents per kilowatt hour, while West Virginia tops the list at 53 cents.
