WASHINGTON – Gas prices are edging lower, but just like the recent weather, it may be the calm before the storm.
AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of regular gas in the D.C. metro area is $3.32 per gallon, down 2 cents from last week and down 21 cents from this time last year.
The national average is $3.28 per gallon — 14 cents less than this time last year.
But AAA predicts drivers will start to pay more this month because of refinery maintenance, which can limit supplies. Frigid temperatures can cause refinery issues that push prices higher. But it can also decrease demand, as motorists limit their driving.
| 2/2/14 | Week Ago | Year Ago | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | $3.28 | $3.29 | $3.50 |
| Washington, DC | $3.53 | $3.55 | $3.64 |
| DC Only | $3.53 | $3.55 | $3.64 |
| DC Metro | $3.32 | $3.34 | $3.53 |
| Crude Oil | $97.49 per barrel (at Friday’s close) | $96.64 per barrel (1/24/14) | $97.49 per barrel (1/31/13) |
WTOP’s Lori Lundin contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP and @WTOPTraffic on Twitter and WTOP on Facebook.