Gas prices across the U.S. started going up over the last few days ahead of Hurricane Ian. AAA officials say a refinery fire in northern Ohio has also contributed to a nine cent per gallon increase in Kentucky.
AAA of the Bluegrass spokesperson Lori Weaver Hawkins said it's difficult to predict if prices will continue to rise.
“We’re looking at, the refinery in Ohio is probably going to be offline for a while. And we don’t quite know what kind of impact the hurricane is going to have. So that’s the big wild card, whether or not that effects any infrastructure that could affect us here,” said Weaver Hawkins.
Weaver Hawkins said pipeline interruptions well outside of the region could impact gas prices in the commonwealth. She added that the Colonial Pipeline is a concern as Hurricane Ian hits the southern United States.
Weaver Hawkins said even with those concerns, lower demand this time of year is working in favor of drivers.
“Typically, once we get through Labor Day, we see those gas prices begin to drop off because folks just aren’t taking those vacations that they were over the summer and even into early September,” said Weaver Hawkins.
Weaver Hawkins said another factor that could decrease the impact on prices is the switch to winter blend gasoline this time of year.
The AAA official said keeping your vehicle in good running condition and taking advantage of gas station rewards will help people use less gas and save more money at the pump.
The average gas price in Lexington rose an average of 16 cents over the last week.
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