Motorists in the Lehigh Valley are paying slightly more at the pump this week, even as Pennsylvania’s average gasoline price edged lower, according to AAA East Central.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Pennsylvania fell by nearly 2 cents over the past week, from $4.479 to $4.462. However, the average price in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area increased from $4.320 to $4.368 per gallon.

Local prices remain significantly higher than a year ago, when the average price in the Lehigh Valley was $3.158 per gallon. Statewide, motorists were paying an average of $3.270 per gallon at this time last year.

AAA reported the national average for gasoline dipped a penny during the past week to $4.35 per gallon. Despite the slight decrease, gasoline prices remain at record highs for this time of year. According to AAA, this marks the first October in which the national average has remained above $4 per gallon.

Energy market factors continue to put pressure on fuel prices. Crude oil prices briefly dropped into the $80-per-barrel range before climbing back above $90 per barrel. At the close of trading Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate crude oil settled at $88.28 per barrel.

Meanwhile, gasoline demand increased nationwide. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed gasoline consumption rose from 8.68 million barrels per day to 8.76 million barrels per day during the past week. Domestic gasoline supplies also increased slightly, while gasoline production declined.

While gasoline prices have remained elevated, electric vehicle charging costs moved in the opposite direction. The national average price for electricity at public EV charging stations declined by a penny to 41 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Among major Pennsylvania metropolitan areas, the Philadelphia region reported an average gas price of $4.44 per gallon, up slightly from $4.434 one week earlier.

Pennsylvania’s statewide average remains below the record high of $5.071 per gallon set June 12, 2022, but current prices are still among the highest ever recorded for the autumn season.

Gas prices at a glance

Pennsylvania average: Oct. 12, 2026 $4.462; Oct. 5, 2026 $4.479; Oct. 12, 2025 $3.270

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton average: Oct. 12, 2026 $4.368; Oct. 5, 2026 $4.320; Oct. 12, 2025 $3.158

National average: $4.35

Pennsylvania record high: $5.071 per gallon, June 12, 2022