National Average for Gas Stays Defiantly Flat
CARS.COM — Gasoline prices remained steady the past week, rising or falling by 3 cents or less in most parts of the country, continuing to defy the usual spring pattern of steadily increasing into the summer driving season. The national average for regular gas was $2.29 a gallon on Thursday, according to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report, unchanged from a week ago. Premium gas, at $2.81, and diesel fuel, at $2.51, also were unchanged.
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Here what’s going on with gas prices across the country:
- South Carolina had the lowest statewide average for regular, $2.03, followed by Tennessee at $2.04 and Alabama at $2.05.
- Hawaii was the most expensive state, with regular averaging $3.08. California was next at $2.98, and Washington was at $2.84.
- The biggest changes in pump prices were in Ohio, where the average price for regular rose 6 cents, and in Indiana, where regular was up 8 cents.
Pump prices typically rise this time of year as refineries shut down for seasonal maintenance and, in many areas, to change over to summer gasoline blends, which are more expensive to produce. The temporary reduction in supply, along with higher demand as people drive more, usually drives up prices.
This year, though, prices have stubbornly resisted. Regular gas and premium are only a penny higher than a month ago, and the national average for diesel hasn’t budged. Lower oil prices have helped. A month ago U.S. oil was trading at nearly $55 a barrel, but early Thursday it was just under $48.
