Ohio
Ohio drivers paying some of the highest gas prices in the nation ahead of Memorial Day travel rush
CLEVELAND — Ohio drivers are paying some of the highest gas prices in the country just as millions of Americans prepare to travel for Memorial Day weekend.
According to AAA, Ohio now ranks 10th in the nation for gas prices, with the statewide average at approximately $4.72 a gallon as of Friday. Drivers in Ohio are paying noticeably more than those in neighboring states, including Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Michigan.
Experts say several factors are fueling the spike, including refinery disruptions in the Midwest and rising global oil prices tied to tensions in the Middle East.
AAA said Ohio is especially vulnerable when major Midwest refineries run into trouble.
One of the largest issues involves BP’s massive refinery in Whiting, Indiana, the Midwest’s largest and one of the largest in the country. The refinery can process about 440,000 barrels of oil per day and supplies fuel across the region, according to Reuters.
A major issue is the ongoing labor dispute.
Around 800 workers have been locked out since March while contract talks continue with no resolution.
The union has accused BP of using the lockout to pressure workers into accepting concessions on pay, job cuts, and contract terms. BP said negotiations can only continue while the lockout remains in place.
Jim Garrity with AAA said refinery disruptions like the one in Whiting can quickly tighten fuel supplies across the Midwest, causing prices in states like Ohio to rise faster than in other parts of the country.
“You’ve definitely seen some regional disruptions, and Ohio’s gas today is the 10th highest in the nation,” he says.
But refinery problems are only part of the equation.
Oil prices have also risen globally amid tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
The timing is especially tough for drivers because Memorial Day weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season.
Despite the higher prices, AAA projects more than 39 million Americans will travel by car this weekend, setting a new Memorial Day travel record.
“We’re not seeing it deter people from taking road trips,” Garrity said. “There’s an enthusiasm to get out there and take these trips.”
At local car dealerships, rising fuel prices are also changing consumer behavior.
Paul Qua with Classic Auto Group said interest in hybrids and electric vehicles has increased significantly in recent weeks, even among customers who normally prefer traditional gas-powered vehicles.
“That’s really the sweet spot in the car business right now,” Qua said.
AAA said meaningful relief at the pump will likely depend on refinery operations stabilizing and tensions in global oil markets easing.
But for now, millions of Americans are still expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, even as Ohio drivers continue paying some of the highest gas prices in the country.
Tens of thousands of FirstEnergy customers were without power across Northeast Ohio due to severe thunderstorms across the area on Sunday.
As of 11:05 p.m., the following outages were reported by FirstEnergy:
- Cuyahoga: 37,258
- Ashtabula: 9,373
- Lake: 3,733
- Lorain: 2,199
- Geauga: 1,221
Severe Thunderstorms leave widespread damage across Northeast Ohio
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A new study from AARP Ohio shows many Ohioans who are caring for aging parents and other adults are struggling financially.
Brian O’Rourke with the Health Policy Institute of Ohio noted that one out four Ohioans identify as family caregivers and most of them are doing the work without pay.
“That’s just additional stress and strain that can just contribute to that overall pressure,” O’Rourke said. “It can take people out of the workforce. And that’s when you look to the next level of, you know, potential stresses on our state economy, if people are leaving the workforce.”
According to the report, 93% of Ohio caregivers have spent their own money to provide care, groceries, housing costs, and medicine. Seven in 10 caregivers also experienced at least one financial hardship, such as taking on more debt or leaving bills unpaid.
“A major reason why there are so many informal family caregivers is that it’s really hard to find and hire like a home health aide,” O’Rourke said. “Ohio is really lagging behind a lot of other states in our home health workforce. We have about nine home health workers per 1000 population.”
O’Rourke shared that family members can get paid through programs like Medicaid, but usually it’s an informal caregiving category many people find themselves in. Nearly two-thirds of caregivers are trying to balance their job and family, and 47% say they are strained. He explained that it’s on policy makers to develop meaningful solutions.
“There is a bipartisan bill in the Ohio house that is essentially working to create a study commission to identify some solutions,” O’Rourke said. “I think anything that can boost, you know, wages and recruitment into the field, I think it really does.”
If you would like to read the full report, click here.
The Ohio Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 13, 2026, results for each game:
Powerball
Powerball drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.
03-13-44-50-53, Powerball: 02, Power Play: 4
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.
Midday: 9-4-8
Evening: 8-4-3
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.
Midday: 9-3-7-1
Evening: 6-5-7-2
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 5
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.
Midday: 2-2-3-5-5
Evening: 4-3-3-5-0
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Rolling Cash 5
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 7:05 p.m.
04-07-19-21-28
Check Rolling Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Classic Lotto
Drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, at approximately 7:05 p.m.
02-09-20-26-36-38, Kicker: 1-0-8-1-1-3
Check Classic Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 11:15 p.m.
03-05-11-13-49, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Enquirer digital news director. You can send feedback using this form.
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