Staff report

Motorists are continuing to see relief at the pump as the national gas price average declines for the fifth consecutive week, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

Today’s national average is six cents less than last week at $3.86 per gallon. Gas prices are nine cents lower in Northeast Ohio this week at $3.849 per gallon.

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline Monday in Niles was $3.730 a gallon and $3.836 a gallon in Youngstown.

Crude oil prices have also continued to fall as the U.S. and Iran work toward a long-term deal. Despite lower prices, demand could rise as a record number of Americans prepare to travel for Independence Day weekend, with 85% planning to drive to their destinations. Monday’s national average is 53 cents less than a month ago, but 58 cents more than a year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand decreased last week from 9.21 million barrels per day to 8.77 million. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 214.2 million barrels to 216.3 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.5 million barrels per day.

At Monday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate opened at $70.38 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 6.1 million barrels from the previous week. At 412.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year.

The national average cost of electricity at public EV charging stations held steady this week at 41 cents per kilowatt hour.