Gas prices have dropped 12 cents in a week

COLUMBUS — Ohio gasoline prices have dropped 12 cents in the past week.

The statewide average cost for a gallon of regular is now about $2.91, according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. A week ago, prices were hovering just over $3.

The average price in the Youngstown-Warren area Monday remained higher than state average at $2.95, the AAA said. The local average has been the highest in the state for the past two weeks, though it has been the lowest in the state at other times this year.

Toledo had the lowest average price in the state Monday at $2.83.

Gasoline prices have stabilized as oil prices drop amid speculation that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries — called OPEC — will agree this week to raise production to help ease high oil prices.

Ohioans continue to pay much more for gas than they did a year ago, when the average was about 70 cents a gallon lower at around $2.22.