HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN CO. (WOLF) — Gas prices across Pennsylvania are nearing $4 per gallon, reaching their highest point in several years.

As of March 23, the statewide average stands at about $3.94 per gallon, according to AAA.

Analysts say current prices are now at their highest level since late 2023, with national averages also approaching levels last seen during the 2022–2023 surge.

The last time prices were significantly higher in Pennsylvania was in June 2022, when the average peaked at around $5.07 per gallon, the highest on record.

The increase marks the 24th consecutive day of rising gas prices across the Commonwealth.

The national average has also climbed, reaching approximately $3.96 per gallon, as global energy markets remain volatile.

Diesel prices have surged even more sharply. AAA reports the Pennsylvania average is now about $5.67 per gallon, reflecting significant increases tied to global supply concerns.

Analysts point to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to key shipping routes as major factors driving prices higher. Oil prices have climbed above $90 per barrel, adding pressure across all fuel types.

Across the country, California continues to have the highest gas prices, while states in the Midwest remain among the lowest. Current prices are now the highest seen since late 2023.

Pennsylvania Gas Price Trend

Prices have steadily climbed since late February:

• Feb. 27 — about $3.10 per gallon
• Feb. 28 — above $3.15
• March 1 — surpassed $3.20
• March 2 — near $3.24
• March 3 — about $3.28
• March 4 — above $3.30
• March 5 — around $3.35
• March 6 — high $3.30s, some above $3.40
• March 7 — about $3.45
• March 8 — about $3.50
• March 9 — near $3.55
• March 10 — around $3.60
• March 11 — about $3.65
• March 12 — about $3.66
• March 13 — around $3.67
• March 14 — about $3.69
• March 15 — about $3.70
• March 16 — about $3.72
• March 17 — about $3.74
• March 18 — about $3.80
• March 19 — about $3.81
• March 20 — about $3.82
• March 21 — about $3.85
• March 22 — about $3.93
• March 23 — about $3.94

Gas Prices in Nearby States

Drivers in Pennsylvania continue to pay slightly more than those in surrounding states, though prices are rising across the region:

• New Jersey: about $3.88 per gallon
• New York: about $3.90 per gallon
• Ohio: about $3.74 per gallon
• Delaware: about $3.70 per gallon

Northeast Pennsylvania Prices

Northeast Pennsylvania remains among the most expensive regions in the state, with many stations now charging between $3.90 and $4.10 per gallon, especially along major roadways and in metro areas.

Lowest Gas Prices in Pennsylvania

Prices still vary widely by region, with the lowest prices remaining in western Pennsylvania:

• $3.15/gallon — Valero, Dixonville (Indiana County)
• $3.17/gallon — Sunoco, Aliquippa (Beaver County)
• $3.18/gallon — 7-Eleven, Pittsburgh area
• $3.20/gallon — Citgo, Smock (Fayette County)

Cheapest Gas in Northeast and Central PA

Scranton / Lackawanna County:

• Conoco — Clarks Summit — about $3.70/gallon
• Dileo’s — Wyoming — about $3.71/gallon
• Fuel Up — Wyoming — about $3.71/gallon
• Kwik Fill — Nicholson — about $3.71/gallon

Wilkes-Barre / Luzerne County:

• Best — Wilkes-Barre — about $3.72/gallon
• US Gas — Kingston — about $3.75/gallon

Hazleton area:

• Fuel On — Hazleton — about $3.78/gallon
• 7-Eleven — Hazleton — about $3.78/gallon

Schuylkill County:

• Turkey Hill — Shenandoah — about $3.45/gallon
• Pilot/Conoco — Pine Grove — about $3.48/gallon
• Pereira’s — Tamaqua — about $3.52/gallon

Monroe County:

• BrightStar Fuel — Brodheadsville — about $3.80/gallon
• Gulf — Brodheadsville — about $3.80/gallon
• Wawa — East Stroudsburg — about $3.85/gallon

Lycoming County:

• Sam’s Club — Muncy — about $3.10/gallon
• Exxon — Williamsport — about $3.12/gallon

Hi, Philly. After our sunny Sunday, the rest of this week is expected to be cloudier and chillier.

Republicans were on track to lead Pennsylvania voter registrations for the first time in 30 years. Democrats think they’ve stopped the trend.

And Penn Medicine launched its Lynch syndrome center as cases of the cancer-risk condition have nearly tripled in recent years.

Plus, sneakerheads lined up for Nike’s new Lower Merion-inspired Kobe Bryant shoes, and more news of the day.

— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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With less than eight months until the midterm elections, national eyes are turning once again to purple Pennsylvania, where Democrats last year slowed and eventually began to narrowly reverse Republican voter registration gains.

By the numbers: As of March, Democrats hold a 2% voter advantage over Republicans in Pennsylvania, with 177,000 more voters, according to Department of State data. That’s up from their 1.9% lead in November, but still down significantly from a 10.5% lead in 2016.

Shifting strategy: The change comes as Eugene DePasquale, the new chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, has invested in party-led voter registration efforts. But it follows years of voter-registration deprioritization within the state party, while Republicans doubled down on it in communities seen as friendly to President Donald Trump.

State of the union: Democrats are expected to perform well in the midterms by riding a wave of anger at Trump. It’s too early to tell whether the party’s improvements will continue in the long run.

Reporters Katie Bernard, Gillian McGoldrick, and Joe Yerardi dig into the data.

In other political news: Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s $7 billion budget plan, which aims to boost revenue by hiking Philadelphia’s hotel tax and expanding its sales tax, relies in part on authorization from Harrisburg — and help from GOP allies.

A diagnosis linked to higher risks of several cancers is getting more attention at Penn Medicine through the launch of a comprehensive center dedicated to advancing research, education, and patient care for the genetic condition.

Experts at the King Center for Lynch Syndrome, which opened late last year, help patients manage their cancer risks with recommendations for screenings, risk-reducing surgeries, or medications. An estimated 95% of those who have the condition are undiagnosed.

Case study: A West Chester man found out he had Lynch syndrome after getting a call from Penn’s BioBank. Soon after, at 42, he got a colonoscopy — and learned he had stage 3 colorectal cancer. The quick diagnosis led to surgery, then chemotherapy, which he has since completed.

Health reporter Kayla Yup has the story.

What you should know today

Quote of the day

Collector Malcolm France was among the first few sneakerheads in the country to get a pair of shoes from Nike’s homage to basketball superstar Kobe Bryant’s local roots, complete with Lower Merion High School’s maroon and white jersey colors. Lapstone & Hammer in Center City released select models early, first-come, first-served on Saturday.

🧠 Trivia time

Which Philadelphia bridge will close to car traffic in July for its 100th anniversary celebration?

A) Walt Whitman Bridge

B) Falls Bridge

C) Strawberry Mansion Bridge

D) Ben Franklin Bridge

Think you know? Check your answer.

What and whom we’re…

🎨 Eager to see: Noah Davis’ retrospective at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

⚽ Learning: What to expect at Philly’s World Cup fan festival in Fairmount Park.

🤤 Anticipating: The opening of cult Japanese cream puff brand Beard Papa’s store in Chinatown.

🍳 Noting: Where to find an early breakfast in Center City and the best breakfast sandwiches in all of Philadelphia.

📣 Meeting: The HIV positive influencer whose activism starts at the corner store.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: Healthcare institution in Delaware County

MISANTHROPY BRAWL

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Liz Greco-Rocks, who solved Sunday’s anagram: KYW Newsradio. CBS News Radio is shutting down, but the impact to this AM station owned by Center City-headquartered Audacy is limited.

Photo of the day

📬 Your ‘only in Philly’ story

Think back to the night that changed your life that could only happen in Philly, a true example of the Philly spirit, the time you finally felt like you belonged in Philly if you’re not a lifer, something that made you fall in love with Philly all over again — or proud to be from here if you are. Then email it to us for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

This “only in Philly” story comes from reader Ken Derow, who shares his affinity for the local palate:

I am not a Philly lifer, but rather a transplant from metro-Washington D.C. But I’ve come to love Philly. One reason: Where else in the country or the world can such delightful foods as water ice, soft pretzels, and hoagies be consumed guilt-free and considered part of a well-rounded diet? The answer is nowhere!

You deserve a treat today. ‘Tis the season for water ice, after all. See you tomorrow.

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