Gasoline prices in the United States increased 4 cents since last week, averaging $2.58 a gallon.
In all but three states, gasoline prices have increased as much as 9 cents. Compared to the end of December, prices are 10 cents higher, and they are 30 cents higher than last January.
“Compared to the first few weeks of January last year, consumer gasoline demand is noticeably higher, which is surprising giving the frigid winter much of the country has experienced this month,” Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokeswoman, said. “But demand isn’t the only factor driving prices up. Crude oil has been selling at very expensive rates the past few months. Those higher market prices are now trickling over to consumers at the pump.”
Six of the most expensive markets are in the West. Inventory in this region dropped slightly as refineries performed planned maintenance.
In the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region, prices are 6 to 15 cents more expensive than in December.
Gasoline averages 9 cents higher in the Great Lakes and Midwest.
The South and Southwest are still the nation’s least expensive markets. Prices, however, did rise by as much as 31 cents.
The Rockies are home to two of the three states that saw price decreases – Idaho and Utah. The third state was Alaska.