Gas Prices Climb in Central Atlantic Region, Outpacing National Average

Motorists across the Central Atlantic states are opening their wallets a little wider this week. According to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the region reached $2.94 on Monday, marking a six-cent increase from the previous week's average of $2.88.

The uptick continues a gradual climb, with prices now about two cents higher than a month ago. Over the past year, volatility has been the norm for the region—which includes Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania—with prices swinging from a low of $2.88 in late January to a peak of $3.22 last September.

While any increase is unwelcome news for commuters, there is a silver lining for comparison: the current average remains notably lower than the $3.17 per gallon drivers were paying at this time last year, representing a roughly 7% decrease.

>> TRACK THE TREND: See how fuel costs in your community have shifted over time with our interactive tool at data.publicopiniononline.com.

The regional increase contrasts with a more modest national rise. The U.S. average gas price currently sits at $2.87 per gallon, up two cents from last week. This puts Central Atlantic prices approximately 2.5% above the national average, a gap that analysts often attribute to higher state taxes, transportation costs, and regional supply chain dynamics.

"Week-to-week fluctuations are common, but the consistent premium the Central Atlantic pays compared to the national average points to structural factors," noted energy market analyst, David Chen. "While crude oil prices are stable, localized refinery outputs and summer blend fuel requirements are starting to exert upward pressure."

Voices from the Pump

We asked local drivers for their reactions to the creeping prices:

• Michael Rodriguez, rideshare driver, Baltimore: "Every penny counts in this job. This weekly jump might seem small, but it directly cuts into my daily earnings. It's death by a thousand cuts, and it feels like we're always on the losing end."
• Sarah Phelps, small business owner, Wilmington: "My delivery van needs a lot of fuel. Higher gas prices mean higher operational costs. I either absorb it and make less, or I have to pass it on to my customers. Neither is a good option in this economy."
• Professor Arjun Mehta, economics, Rutgers University: "This is a predictable seasonal adjustment coupled with regional market mechanics. The more telling metric is the year-over-year decrease, which suggests broader inflationary pressures on energy may be moderating, even if temporarily."
• Janice Kowalski, retiree, Harrisburg: "It's an absolute racket! Oil companies post record profits while we struggle to afford groceries and gas. Our politicians talk about relief, but all we see are these sneaky weekly increases. When does it end?"

This analysis is based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. A version of this report appears on USA TODAY Network sites nationwide.