Gas Prices Continue Downward Trend in Kentucky as Summer Driving Season Winds Down

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(PADUCAH, Ky.) — Kentucky drivers are seeing relief at the pump as gasoline prices dropped 11 cents this week in West Central Kentucky, with the average price now sitting at $2.769 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s latest Gas Price Report.

The price decline reflects a broader national trend of stable fuel costs as the busy summer driving season approaches its end. Nationally, gas prices held steady at $3.13 per gallon this week, continuing what AAA describes as a “summer of lower pump prices.”

Regional Price Variations

Across West Central Kentucky, gas prices vary by location, with Owensboro offering the lowest prices at $2.659 per gallon and Louisville showing the highest at $2.953. Other regional averages include Paducah at $2.714, Elizabethtown at $2.709, and Bowling Green at $2.810.

The current Kentucky prices represent significant savings compared to last year, when drivers were paying $3.088 per gallon. However, they remain well below the record high of $4.742 reached on June 13, 2022.

National Market Dynamics

Despite entering peak hurricane season, experts see little indication of dramatic price movements ahead. “With crude oil prices remaining stable, there’s no indication gas prices will make any drastic moves,” AAA reported, though the organization noted that storms affecting gas production and distribution bear monitoring.

Today’s national average of $3.13 is three cents lower than a month ago and 29 cents below last year’s prices.

Recent Energy Information Administration data shows gasoline demand decreased slightly from 9.04 million barrels per day to 9 million barrels daily. Total domestic gasoline supply also declined from 227.1 million barrels to 226.3 million, while production increased to an average of 9.8 million barrels per day.

Crude Oil and Electric Vehicle Charging

Oil markets showed weakness Wednesday, with West Texas Intermediate crude falling 52 cents to settle at $62.65 per barrel. The EIA reported crude oil inventories increased by 3 million barrels from the previous week, bringing total U.S. inventories to 426.7 million barrels—about 6% below the five-year average.

For electric vehicle owners, public charging costs remained unchanged at 36 cents per kilowatt hour nationally. Kentucky ranks among the ten most expensive states for EV charging at 42 cents per kilowatt hour, while Kansas offers the lowest rates at 25 cents.

National Price Comparison

Kentucky’s gas prices remain competitive nationally. The most expensive markets include California ($4.49), Hawaii ($4.46), and Washington ($4.40), while the least expensive are Mississippi ($2.70), Oklahoma ($2.72), and Tennessee ($2.75).

Current gas prices nationwide, by state, and by county are available at gasprices.aaa.com.