Community Corner

Philly Gas Prices Trump National Average

Prices are expected to go even higher this month.

Fuel costs have reached notable heights this summer for a variety of reasons.

In July, gas at the pump peaked at $3.63 per gallon in the Philadelphia area, according to AAA, which was 15 cents less than the highest price of the year in February. The Philadelphia price also trumps the national average of $3.58 for July.  

Jenny M. Robinson, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic called the month of July "volatile."

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The cost of fueling the car is not uncommonly higher in the summer driving season, which extends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Expensive crude oil costs, refinery errors and increased summer demand played a factor in this summer’s spiked prices, according to a AAA Mid-Atlantic press release.

For instance, the cost of crude oil imported from Texas climbed to $108.05 per barrel on July 19, marking the highest price in 16 months.

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Don't Expect Relief

Prices are expected to rise in August as drivers trek to vacation spots far from home. The rising demand paired with unavoidable complications can be a recipe for driving up the gas bill. In August 2012, fuel costs spiked 33 center per gallon resulting from refinery outages and the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac along the Gulf Coast. 



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