U.S. gas prices fluctuate amid rising crude oil costs

Gasoline prices are showing divergent trends across different regions in the United States. In Western Pennsylvania, prices have decreased by three cents to an average of $4.306 per gallon. However, in Delaware County, drivers are facing significant increases, with some stations reporting prices exceeding $4.50 per gallon.

Nationally, the average price rose six cents over the past week to $4.15, marking a record high for the Labor Day weekend period. This upward pressure is driven by volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, which has pushed crude oil prices above $90 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate recently settled at $91.01 per barrel.

Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that while domestic gasoline demand decreased slightly from 9.04 million to 8.92 million barrels per day, total domestic supply also saw a reduction. Crude oil inventories in the U.S. decreased by 4.5 million barrels from the previous week, leaving inventories 1% above the five-year average.