Drivers in West Central Kentucky are seeing continued relief at the pump. According to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, the regional average dropped 10 cents this week to $2.76 per gallon.
That’s lower than last week’s $2.85 and down slightly from $2.81 a year ago.
Nationwide, the average price for regular gas is $3.17, two cents cheaper than last week. Analysts say demand is falling as motorists settle into fall routines, while crude oil supplies remain strong. The switch to winter-blend gasoline—cheaper to produce—is also helping ease prices.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports gasoline demand declined from 9.1 million barrels per day to 8.5 million last week. Supplies rose to 220 million barrels, though production dipped slightly. Crude oil inventories increased by 3.9 million barrels but remain 3% below the five-year seasonal average. West Texas Intermediate crude settled at $63.67 per barrel midweek.
In Kentucky, prices vary by city: Bowling Green averages $2.74, Elizabethtown $2.64, Owensboro $2.71, Paducah $2.73, and Louisville remains higher at $2.96.
Nationally, California ($4.63) and Washington ($4.61) continue to post the most expensive gas, while Mississippi leads with the cheapest at $2.71. Kentucky ranks among the 10 lowest-price states, averaging $2.86.
Meanwhile, the cost of charging electric vehicles held steady this week. The national average at public charging stations is 36 cents per kilowatt hour. Prices range from a high of 51 cents in Alaska to a low of 25 cents in Kansas.
