Gas prices in Ohio are continuing to climb up during the week of Sept. 20, 2021 as hurricanes continue to impact gasoline supplies.

This week, the average gas prices in Northeast Ohio is 12 cents higher at $3.102 per gallon according to AAA East Central's Gas Price Report.

The average gas prices for the week of Sept. 13, 2021 was $2.987 and the average price for the week of Sept. 21, 2020 was $2.066.

While the post-Labor Day period usually sees less demand and lower gas prices, the impact of Hurricane Ida, followed by Hurricane Nicholas two weeks later has slowed oil production and refinery recovery along the Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Nicholas has complicated the recovery process from Hurricane Ida, but the seasonal drop-off in demand has mitigated gas price increases for the week.

However, this is only the mid-point for hurricane season and there have already been 17 named storms, so motorists can expect to see price fluctuations into October. 

Approximately 23% of offshore Gulf of Mexico oil production remains offline. However, most refineries affected by the storms are reporting some level of restarting. Once fully back online, refinery production will help to increase domestic supply levels.

According to a report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) domestic supply levels took another step back by 2 million barrels to 218 million barrels, which is the lowest stock level since the post-Hurricane Harvey period in 2017.

This tightened supply level has contributed to an increase in oil prices, which hit a high of $72 per barrel last week, a level not seen since July. 

If the price of oil remains at this level or goes higher, it could result in higher gasoline prices.