Average gasoline prices are continuing to fall in Pennsylvania and across the nation, although the average in Pennsylvania is about 50 cents per gallon higher than the national average.

According to AAA, the national average Monday is about $3.26 per gallon. That’s about 14 cents less than a week ago, 52 cents less than a month ago and 7 cents less than a year ago.

But in Pennsylvania, the average is about $3.78 per gallon. That’s 10 cents less than a week ago and 32 cents less than a month ago, but about 21 cents more than a year ago.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at price-tracking service GasBuddy, says gas prices in mid-Atlantic and Northeast states are higher primarily because of a lack of refiners in the region.

Pennsylvania is among states tied to the New York Harbor, which have seen prices elevated this year because it is competing with other areas and countries for supply, according to De Haan.

“It must bring in product to make ends meet,” he said on Twitter. “That has led to higher prices this year because (of) acute supply challenges.”

Why has the mid-Atlantic and NE US seen higher #gasprices and diesel this year? Primarily, because its lack of refiners in the region. The US is sliced into various markets, all with slightly different supply and demand. pic.twitter.com/fnBxBhyyA9

— Patrick De Haan ⛽️???? (@GasBuddyGuy) December 9, 2022

County averages across Pennsylvania range from about $3.53 per gallon to $3.98, with the lowest averages mostly in Eastern Pennsylvania, according to AAA.

County averages in the Pittsburgh area, according to AAA:

• Allegheny: $3.83

• Armstrong: $3.83

• Beaver: $3.81

• Butler: $3.80

• Washington: $3.84

• Westmoreland: $3.88

GasBuddy says the average in the Pittsburgh area is about $3.82 per gallon. That’s about 17 cents per gallon less than a month ago, but about 29 cents more than a year ago.

Pittsburgh-area prices range from $3.24 per gallon to $4.19, a difference of 95 cents per gallon, according to GasBuddy.

“Not only has the decline in gasoline prices lasted five straight weeks, with again every state seeing a weekly decline in its average, but average diesel prices have fallen in 49 states over the last week as well. The relief is saving Americans roughly $20 per fill-up compared to six months ago,” De Haan said.

The national average price of diesel fell about 15 cents in the past week to $4.91 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.

“On the previously hard-hit West Coast, average prices have fallen nearly $2 per gallon since October. Fifteen states now have average gasoline prices of $2.99 or less, with several more to join this week,” De Haan said. “We remain on schedule to see the national average gas price fall below $3 by Christmas, with diesel set to fall 50 cents to $1 per gallon over the next six weeks or so.”

The shutdown of the oil-carrying Keystone Pipeline is not expected to impact gas prices, De Haan said.

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices, according to GasBuddy:

• Akron: $2.95, down 19 cents per gallon from last week.

• Cleveland: $2.96, down 21 cents per gallon from last week.

• West Virginia: $3.25, down 11 cents per gallon from last week.