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Fuel Prices Continue to Climb in Northeast Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- For the second week in a row, prices at northeast Ohio gas pumps are above $2 a gallon, according to the AAA Ohio Motorists Association fuel gauge survey released today. This week's self-serve average is up 7 cents from last week, reaching a new record of $2.09 a gallon and 64 cents above last year's self-serve average of $1.45 per gallon, the survey found.Gas prices in the Great Lakes Ohio region are 7 cents above the national average of $2.02 per gallon and 9 cents over the state average of $2 per gallon, the survey reported. Mid-grade fuel prices stood at $2.16 per gallon with premium climbing to $2.29.At gasoline stations in the Mahoning Valley, as of 4:30 Friday, the price per gallon ranged from $1.99 a gallon to $2.09.In reaction to higher oil prices, OPEC has called an emergency meeting next weekend in Amsterdam to discuss increasing output by 6%. If the production boost is agreed to, it may help bring oil prices back below $40 per barrel. Today's crude oil price is $40.92 per barrel. Nevertheless, it's likely that motorists in many states will continue to pay in excess of $2 per gallon through most of the summer, according to the motorists association. At present, the average price at the pumps in 22 states is more than $2.Membership surveys show motorists may begin to alter their driving patterns if gas prices remain above $2 and will consider switching to more fuel efficient cars. A recent telephone survey conducted by AAA also shows gas prices are not expected to keep Americans from traveling this summer, although about one-third of respondents said that they would take fewer trips, shorter trips and use a more fuel efficient vehicle.AAA Ohio Motorists Association has issued the weekly fuel gauge survey since 1985, reporting average pump prices at 45 stations in a nine-county area of Northeast Ohio including Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Portage and Trumbull counties.Travelers can estimate gasoline costs for driving trips using AAA's Fuel Cost Calculator available on www.aaa.com, where they will also find gas-saving tips."