Prepare For Higher Fuel Costs As Spring Break Nears
Average unleaded regular gas prices are up across the board, more in some places than others. We are still more than three months away from the beginning of the unofficial summer vacation driving season with Memorial Day on May 25th. But what is concerning drivers is a nationwide trend of rising prices.
Average gas prices are still below last year at this time but the upward trend is being reflected at the national, state and local levels according to AAA (American Automobile Association).
The national average gas price of $2.92 is up three cents over last week and 9 cents above a month ago. But it is well below the $3.15 per gallon this time last year.
Alabama's average price per gallon is $2.61. That is up a nickel from last week and 12 cents more than a month ago. However, it is still well below the $2.80 of a year ago.
West Alabama counties are let by Bibb County, which has the lowest priced gas in region at an average of $2.53 a gallon. Perry county continues to post the most expensive average gas price a $2.89.
Triple-A notes the rising cost of fuel is being driven by seasonal maintenance, winter storm-related supply disruptions, and rising crude oil costs which are right around $82 a barrel currently and expected to continue to increase. The auto club note a continued increase in cost will result from refineries transitioning from winter to summer-grade gasoline, which typically causes temporary production shutdowns and higher prices.
The states with the highest average prices: California ($4.50), Hawaii ($4.33), and Washington ($4.07). The lowest gas prices are across the south with and near west with Oklahoma ($2.25), Arkansas ($2.43), and Louisiana ($2.43).
The cost of diesel impacts not just the price at the pump but retail prices because transportation companies pass along those expenses to consumers. The most common U.S. diesel price stood at $3.39 per gallon, down 10 cents from last week, followed by $3.49, $3.59, $3.29, and $3.69, rounding out the top five most common prices.
So, the bottom line is, expect to pay more at the pump if you are taking a spring break road trip.
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