CINCINNATI, OH (May 21, 2018) – Gas prices jumped 12 cents over the past 14 days, and six-cents since last Monday, landing the national average at $2.93 – the highest price point going into the Memorial Day weekend since 2014. 

“AAA forecasts nearly 37 million travelers will hit the road for the holiday weekend. Compared to an average of the last three Memorial Day weekends, pump prices are nearly 50 cents more expensive and climbing,” said Jenifer Moore, AAA spokesperson. “Trends are indicating that this summer is likely to bring the national average to at least $3/gallon.”

Ohio Gas Prices Up 51 Cents on the Year

Locally, the current average for regular gas in Ohio is $2.87, six cents higher on the week and 51-cents higher than this time last year.

Even though average gas prices are nearing the $3.00 mark, AAA expects more than 1.6 million Ohioans will travel this Memorial Day weekend with nearly 90 percent of Ohioans traveling by car to their destinations.

Below is a snapshot of the average price of gas in Ohio over previous Memorial Day weekends. 

Consumer Lifestyle Impact

It is estimated that filling up will cost families at least an additional $200 this summer.

According to a AAA survey, 40 percent of motorists say they will start make changes in their driving habits or lifestyle when the price of gas hits $3/gallon. These changes include:

• combining errands or trips
• driving less
• reducing shopping or dining out
• delaying major purchases
• driving more fuel-efficient vehicles

How can drivers save at the pump?

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s American Driving Survey, on average, Americans drive 32 miles a day and spend 51 minutes behind the wheel. AAA offers a few ways to conserve fuel:

• Slow down. The faster you drive the more fuel you use. Every 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.18 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy.
• Share work or school rides by carpooling or consider public transportation.
• Do not use your trunk for storage. The heavier your car, the more fuel it uses.
• Combine errands. If possible, park in a central spot and walk from place to place.
• Keep up-to-date on vehicle maintenance

Drivers can check local gas prices on AAA’s gas prices site which tracks average price per gallon across the county, state and locally.

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AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.