As the nation reopens, gas prices rise.
According to fuel-savings app GasBuddy, the national average price of gasoline has risen for the sixth consecutive week from the low of $1.74 per gallon in April, and increases are expected throughout the summer.
“It’s no surprise that gasoline prices have increased for the sixth straight week as gasoline demand has hit its highest level since early March as Americans are returning to the roads,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, in a blog post June 8.
The national average was $2.10 as of Sunday, which is 70 cents less than a year ago, according to AAA.
Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg of the Lundberg Survey said Sunday that the jump came as crude oil costs increased.
In late March, when most of the nation was under stay-at-home orders, the national average fell below $1.99 a gallon. Several states had gas for less than $1 in April.
The highest average price in the nation for regular-grade gas is $3.11 per gallon in Honolulu. The lowest average is $1.69 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The average price of diesel is $2.55, the same as two weeks ago.
Gas prices vary based on a number of factors, including local competition, fuel demand, refineries, oil and gasoline inventories and transportation costs.
More increases are expected, DeHaan said in the blog post.
“While I don’t see oil’s strength holding too long given that oil demand remains 20-25% below a year ago, I believe the anxiety pushing oil prices up is coming from the fact that the economy may be recovering quicker than most anticipated,” DeHaan said. “For now, motorists will likely continue to see gas prices rising for the weeks ahead.”
States with biggest gas price increases
According to GasBuddy, these 10 states had the biggest price increases since May as of June 11.
Michigan
- Gas price May 1: $1.50
- Gas price June 7: $2.06
- Difference: 56-cent increase per gallon
Wisconsin
- Gas price May 1: $1.44
- Gas price June 7: $1.95
- Difference: 51-cent increase per gallon
Indiana
- Gas price May 1: $1.61
- Gas price June 7: $2.08
- Difference: 47-cent increase per gallon
Illinois
- Gas price May 1: $1.78
- Gas price June 7: $2.23
- Difference: 45-cent increase per gallon
Ohio
- Gas price May 1: $1.56
- Gas price June 7: $2.01
- Difference: 45-cent increase per gallon
Colorado
- Gas price May 1: $1.77
- Gas price June 7: $2.22
- Difference: 45-cent increase per gallon
Kentucky
- Gas price May 1: $1.46
- Gas price June 7: $1.88
- Difference: 42-cent increase per gallon
Minnesota
- Gas price May 1: $1.52
- Gas price June 7: $1.94
- Difference: 42-cent increase per gallon
Idaho
- Gas price May 1: $1.80
- Gas price June 7: $2.22
- Difference: 42-cent increase per gallon
Iowa
- Gas price May 1: $1.54
- Gas price June 7: $1.95
- Difference: 41-cent increase per gallon