Ohio gas prices steady as Thanksgiving travelers hit the road

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(The Center Square) – Gas prices continue to dip across Ohio as holiday travelers begin to hit the road for one of the busiest times of the year.

The Automobile Association of America’s figures show the state average for a gallon of regular unleaded stands at $2.82, down 3 cents from Monday, but basically the same as a year ago.

Last year at Thanksgiving, Ohio prices stood at $2.83 a gallon.

“Despite the burst of gasoline demand that will occur during Thanksgiving week, overall demand is low this time of year, which helps keep pump prices down,” AAA predicted in a news release.

AAA projects nearly $82 million will travel at least 50 miles from home between today and Monday, up 1.6 million from last year.

“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a release. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”

When travelers hit the road in Ohio, they will find the lowest prices in the western part of the state. From just north of Cincinnati to just south of Toledo, a dozen counties are posting averages between $2.58 and $2.73 per gallon.

The highest prices are in the southeast corner of the state, along the Ohio River near West Virginia.

Athens County has the highest prices in the state at $3.10.

Ohio’s average is significantly below the national average of $3.10, which AAA says has remained steady throughout the year due to low crude oil prices and no major storms impacting offshore refineries.