“It seems like this is one of those instances where we’re seeing stations trying to hold the prices down as long as possible,” said Kimberly Schwind of AAA Ohio Auto Club. “We’re seeing others that are spiking more in line with market value, if you will.”
One factor involved with that dynamic is the fact “gas stations don’t really make their money on gas prices — they want people to come into their stores,” she said. “So a lot of times they try to hold their prices down as long as possible until they have to raise them because they get another shipment in.”
Gas prices in the region were very low, but refineries are starting to go into their spring maintenance period, which will drive prices up.
Here are some area gas prices, according to gasbuddy.com and observation by this media outlet:
Kroger in Hamilton and Liberty Twp.: $2.45.
United Dairy Farmers in Springboro: $2.03.
Thorntons in Springboro: $2.02.
Marathon in Springboro: $2.45.
Speedway in Springboro: $2.02.
Quick Fuel, Sharonville: $2.50.
Schwind’s advice to motorists: Over the next few days, be on the lookout for low prices and buy, because in coming weeks gasoline is expected to rise to the range of $2.50 to nearly $3.
Ohio gas prices average $2.35, compared with the national average of $2.50.