Dear Editor,

Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, many Ohioians will begin preparing their travel plans, the majority of which will include a stop at a gas station. If you make a stop, you will not only be able to celebrate the holiday, but also the low gas prices we’ve been seeing in Ohio.

Since the end of May we’ve seen falling gas prices for weeks in the Columbus area. The average price of gas is now $3.23 per gallon. This is an almost 40 cent drop since May, where gas prices averaged $3.62 a gallon. The prices for Ohioians are not only 17 cents less than the national average, but also 27 cents less than the prices we saw last summer.

There are various influences on gas prices, such as the cost of crude oil, refining expenses, taxes, and seasonal fluctuations but it’s clear Ohio’s position as a leading oil producer allows us a competitive advantage at the pump.

With a record-breaking number of Americans expected to travel over the summer, it is a welcome relief, at least for Ohioians, that unlike most things these prices are getting lower.

Bruce Tague

Executive Director, Ohio

Natural Energy Institute