Local gas prices drop

After local gas prices nearly surpassed $5, local motorists appear to be experiencing some relief at the gas pump. As of Friday, gas prices in Erie County dropped to a $4.73 average, according to AAA's gas price-tracking service. The downward price fluctuation comes after, around the start of May, prices averages abruptly increased from about $4.30 to above $4.95. The price jump was attributed to the Iran war and issues affecting several Midwest oil refineries, AAA's Lynda Lambert previously told the newspaper. While regular gasoline users are getting a break, it appears diesel fuel users are not receiving the same savings. The average diesel fuel cost in Ohio on Friday was about $6.14, a marked increase from the average cost a month ago — $5.40. Pump prices Here's the average cost per gallon of regular fuel, by county, as of Friday • Erie County: $4.73; It was $4.94 on May 1. • Huron County: $4.75; It was $4.99 on May 1. • Sandusky County: $4.67; It was $4.81 on May 1. • Ottawa County: $4.80; It was $4.77 on May 1, meaning this county actually experienced a slight increase over the past two weeks. • Hancock County: $4.34; It was $4.84 on May 1. • Seneca County: $4.61; It was was $4.95 on May 1. Source: AAA