Charlotte, N.C. (April 12, 2021) – Refinery and production increases amid a small decrease in demand, plus cheaper crude oil prices, has resulted in both North and South Carolina gas prices remaining steady – not seeing any changes on the week.
“Motorists are finally starting to see a little stability at the pump now,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “Cheaper crude oil prices are a positive indicator for continued stability and will likely help to keep price fluctuation low this week.”
North Carolina’s current gas price average sits at $2.62, the same as last week’s average. This is 2 cents more expensive than last month and 90 cents more expensive than a year ago. South Carolina’s current gas price average sits at $2.58, also the same as last week’s average. This is 1 cent more expensive than last month and 93 cents more expensive than a year ago. Both states are a part of the nation’s top 10 least expensive markets.
Today’s national average is $2.86, which is cheaper on the week (-1 cent), but more expensive on the month (+3 cents) and year (+$1.00)
Refinery utilization is at its highest measurement this year (84%). This strong utilization rate, as measured by the Energy Information Administration, helped contribute to the addition of 4 million bbl of gasoline, pushing overall supply levels to 234.5 million bbl for the week ending April 2.
After hitting a 12-month high of $66/bbl last month, crude oil prices have been on the decline. While last Monday saw a low of $58.65, prices fluctuated minimally throughout the week, but never hit $60/bbl. A build in U.S. gasoline supply amid mixed feelings about ongoing COVID-19 concerns, despite vaccination optimism, contributed to the lower prices.
For updated state and metro prices log on to https://gasprices.aaa.com/
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states, the province of Quebec and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.