Gas prices rise slightly as pothole season approaches
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen nine cents since Jan. 23, to $3.51 according to new data from the federal Energy Information Administration due to the nation’s demand rising from 8.05 to 8.14 million barrels per day last week.
Pennsylvania comes in on the high end of the spectrum with an average of $3.79 per gallon, with the average in Butler County coming in slightly higher at $3.84 according to AAA.
“Keeping in mind that the demand figures are a little delayed, the milder weather seems to have had an impact on demand because more people are out driving,” AAA spokesman Jim Garrity said. “Oil prices are also currently hovering around that $80 per barrel range.”
The cost of oil last week was bolstered amid ongoing market optimism that the global oil demand will be “more robust“ than anticipated in 2023 due to China re-opening its economy after strict COVID-19 shutdowns, according to the AAA.
“A lot of what you see with oil is speculation,” Garrity said Friday, Jan. 27. “It is looking forward. Optimism alone is enough to move oil prices.”
This winter’s frequent temperature swings have taken an early toll on roads across the country in the form of tire-killing potholes.
“Potholes can certainly pose a safety risk to motorists, but they can also result in unexpected and costly repair bills,” Mike Hoshaw, vice president of automotive services, AAA East Central said. “It can cost anywhere from $250 to as much as $,000 to fix problems like tire punctures and bent wheels along with more expensive issues like suspension damage.”
According to a survey by AAA in 2021, 1 in 10 drivers sustained vehicle damage significant enough to warrant a repair after hitting a pothole.
“If you have well inflated tires, that can act as a cushion to protect a lot of the more expensive repairs that you may face,” Garrity said. “You want to look on the inside of you door where you typically would find the recommendations from the manufacturer of the vehicle.”
The AAA survey also found that the average price of tag of a repair from hitting a pothole was came to about $600.
In total, damage caused by potholes has cost American drivers $26.5 billion in 2021 alone.
“Slow down, as always,” Garrity said. “You want to be paying attention so you can scan the road ahead. This goes for not just potholes, but deer and other things.”
Other tips to help avoid potholes, according to the AAA, includes watching out for puddles that often disguise deep potholes, recognizing noises or vibrations coming from the vehicle and making sure to always have a spare tire on hand.
