West Kentucky Gas Hits $4.09, up 19 Cents Weekly
Regional fuel costs rose to $4.09 per gallon, driven by crude oil volatility and falling U.S. inventories.
Key points
- West Kentucky gas prices rose to $4.09 per gallon, a 19-cent weekly increase.
- Crude oil volatility and a 600,000-barrel drop in U.S. inventories drive costs.
- Local prices in the News Edge area are the lowest in the state.
The average price for regular unleaded in west central Kentucky reached $4.09 per gallon this week. This marks a 19-cent increase from last week's average of $3.90, according to data from AAA East Central.
Prices in the region are now $1.31 higher than a year ago, when the average stood at $2.77. The national average also climbed 16 cents in a week to reach $4.47 per gallon.
Crude Oil Prices Drive Costs
Crude oil remains the primary factor influencing pump prices across the United States. West Texas Intermediate settled at $102.43 per barrel on Wednesday, down $3.40 from the previous day.
Volatility in the Strait of Hormuz continues to pressure global supply chains. The Energy Information Administration reports that U.S. crude inventories fell by 600,000 barrels to 423.4 million.
Local Prices Vary By County
Prices in the News Edge listening area are currently the lowest in the state. Trigg County reports an average of $4.04, while Christian County stands at $3.98 per gallon.
Todd County averages $4.01, and Hopkins County remains the lowest at $3.94. Caldwell County matches the regional average with a price of $4.09 per gallon.
National Demand Trends Accelerate
Gasoline demand increased last week from 8.55 million barrels per day to 8.79 million. The national average is approaching this year's high of $4.56, which was set on May 21.
Current prices remain below the all-time record of $5.01 set in June 2022. WKDZ reports that these figures reflect a sustained upward trend in fuel costs.
