Motorists across the country have seen gasoline prices rise as refiners make the switch from winter-grade gasoline to summer blends.
The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gasoline is about $2.66 a gallon, up five cents in the last week and 11 cents higher over the last two weeks. Gasoline is more than 30 cents a gallon higher than at this time last year.
The average price of premium gas is $3.18 a gallon, increasing by a similar amount over the last two weeks. The average price of diesel fuel is $2.97.
“Today, only 38 percent of U.S. gas stations are selling gasoline for $2.50 or less and that percentage will likely dwindle in coming weeks,” said Jeanette Casselano, a spokesperson for AAA. “The holiday weekend, strong demand, and preparation for summer gasoline are all factors that have driven and will continue to drive higher gas prices into early spring.”
Where prices are rising fastest
Fuel prices have risen faster in some parts of the country than others. According to AAA, average gas prices jumped 14 cents a gallon in the last month in Utah, 10 cents in Kentucky, and nine cents in Missouri, Florida, and Arizona.
