Ohio gas prices jump after storms knock out power for thousands, close some stations’ pumps

7/9/2012

COLUMBUS  — Gasoline is costing Ohioans an extra quarter per gallon compared with a week ago.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.51 in Monday’s survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express. That’s up 26 cents from a week ago.

But it’s about a dime cheaper than at this time last year.

Ohio gas prices jumped last week after a series of thunderstorms battered the state, leaving thousands of homes and businesses without power for days.

Nationally, the average price for regular gas is about $3.38, up a nickel from last week.

Analysts have suggested that a months-long decline in gas prices may be ending for several reasons amid hope that weak U.S. economic growth may trigger new stimulus measures.

Find the lowest gas prices in Toledo at toledoblade.com/gas.