COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The ups and downs of central Ohio gas prices continue with the Columbus area seeing another drop that has even fuel experts unsure of what’s ahead due to fluctuating economy swings. According to GasBuddy’s survey of 500 stations in the Columbus area, the average pric e at the pump fell by 12.9 cents last week to reach $3.07 per gallon. The current price is 14.4 cents per gallon higher than four weeks ago but still 34.7 cents lower than this time one year ago. Columbus Gas Prices Tracker The cheapest gas station in the Columbus area was priced at $2.31 a gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was $3.30, a difference of 99 cents per gallon. In Ohio, the average price of gas also fell 16.4 cents from $3.12 per gallon to $2.96 per gallon. Nationally, gas prices dropped by 8.2 cents per gallon, to reach $3.13. The price of diesel followed suit with a 4.8 cents decline, settling at $3.55 per gallon. What is price cycling? Gas prices in the United States typically reach “peak pain” around April 10, according to head of petroleum analysis with GasBuddy Patrick De Haan, who said prices could actually fall again, or rise, but only because of market instability. "After oil's sharp drop over the last couple of weeks— driven by concerns over the impact of U.S. tariffs and OPEC+ restoring production faster than expected— gasoline prices have posted a notable weekly decline, with nearly every state seeing prices fall," said De Haan. "While I do expect gas prices to continue trending lower, any abrupt change in the current tariff situation could eventually bring the decline to a halt.” ...read more read less