This week, gasoline prices have increased as much as 9 cents in 25 states, according to AAA. The increase comes after three consecutive weeks of declines but is still 22 cents higher than March 2017.
The national average is $2.53 a gallon, although 63 percent of drivers can buy gasoline for $2.50 a gallon or less, AAA said.
This year “has seen fluctuating crude oil prices, strong gasoline demand and new U.S. oil production records creating a volatile gas price market from month to month for consumers,” Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokeswoman, said. “Typically, March brings more expensive pricing as days get longer, weather gets warmer and refinery’s gear up to switchover to pricier summer blends.”
Ohio had the nation’s highest price increase from last week, jumping 9 cents. Indiana had the second highest increase at 8 cents.
Nationally, the most expensive market is Hawaii at $3.50 a gallon. The next highest prices are in California at $3.35 a gallon.
Six of the 10 most expensive markets are in the west. The rest are in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Six states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast have prices averaging as much as 30 cents higher than March 2017.
The least expensive region was the Rockies.