HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN CO. (WOLF) — Pennsylvania drivers are paying significantly more at the pump than they were just a week ago, with the state’s average price for regular gasoline climbing above $4.19 per gallon as rising oil prices continue to ripple through the fuel market.
According to AAA, the statewide average for regular gasoline reached $4.193 per gallon on Monday. That’s up from $3.964 just one week ago—an increase of nearly 23 cents per gallon. The average is also 8.4 cents higher than Sunday and about 46 cents higher than it was three weeks ago, when prices were in the mid-$3.50 range.
Pennsylvania’s average remains well above the national average of $4.003 per gallon, continuing a trend driven in part by the Commonwealth’s higher fuel taxes and distribution costs.
While many NEPA stations are charging less than the statewide average, many drivers have noticed rapid increases over the past several days.
“Well, it’s not a good thing but I understand why it is. I don’t mind actually paying the extra price as long as we have a safe America,” Joseph Angilello, a Bangor, PA resident, said.
Turkey Hill in Scranton was well over the national and PA average Monday morning.
The recent increase follows a sharp jump in crude oil prices amid escalating military conflict between the United States and Iran. Concerns about potential disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s busiest energy shipping lanes—briefly pushed Brent crude above $90 per barrel before prices eased slightly.
Analysts say gasoline prices typically lag movements in crude oil by one to two weeks, meaning the higher wholesale costs are only now reaching retail stations.
AAA’s latest figures show:
Current Pennsylvania average: $4.193One week ago: $3.964One month ago: $4.109One year ago: $3.225
One notable example is Freedom Fuel, a chain that drew national attention earlier this month by selling regular gasoline for $3.47 per gallon at some Pennsylvania locations. Those introductory prices have since disappeared, with many Freedom Fuel stations now charging prices similar to those of neighboring competitors. One station in Northeastern Pennsylvania was selling regular gasoline for $3.92 per gallon over the weekend.
Energy analysts say future price movements will largely depend on developments in the Middle East. If tensions ease and oil prices continue to retreat, gasoline prices could begin leveling off later this week. However, any further disruption to global oil supplies could push prices even higher.