Gas prices do not appear to be rising for the 5th week in a row

By Tom Gantert (Center Square)

According to an industry analysis, gas prices at the pump have risen for the fifth straight week and there is little hope of a price drop in the near future.

GasBuddy said the national average of $3.49 per gallon reported Sunday was 33.3 cents higher than a month ago and 14.1 cents higher than a year ago.

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Hawaii had the highest average price at $4.88 per gallon, followed by California ($4.48) and Washington ($4.03). Texas had the lowest average price per gallon at $3.09 followed by Oklahoma ($3.13) and Arkansas ($3.15).

The national average gasoline price rose for a fifth straight week as retailers raised wholesale gasoline prices due to continuing challenges: refinery use that has yet to fully recover from December’s cold weather, and refinery maintenance season just around the corner. corner,” said Patrick de Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, in a news release.

“There appears to be little good news on the gas price front, with prices unlikely to turn around anytime soon. Because of the surge in prices last spring, many refineries that had planned maintenance have postponed maintenance until 2023. With cans starting this year, we may face similar challenges in producing enough refined products to meet demand, especially as the European Union freezes refined products starting in Russia on February 5.

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AAA reported that the national average price as of January 31 was $3.50 a gallon.

“January weather was relatively mild in most parts of the country, which led to more drivers taking to the roads. However, the return of wintry conditions in February could see a revival of seasonal driving patterns,” said AAA spokesman Andrew Gross. news release. “… But with oil prices stubbornly hovering around $80 a barrel, drivers likely won’t get a big break at the pump in the next week or two.”

Syndicated with permission from Center Square.