(January 3, 2017) The New Year began with increased gas prices reaching today’s average of $2.34 per gallon. The national average has moved higher for 34 of the past 35 days, largely due to market reactions to last fall’s OPEC deal. Pump prices increased by five cents on the week, by 18 cents per gallon on the month, and are up by 34 cents on the year, according to AAA.

Moving into 2017, retail prices will continue to hinge on the ability of cartel countries to successfully implement production cuts, but retail averages are likely to increase leading up to the summer driving season as seasonal refinery maintenance gets underway this spring.

Quick Stats

    The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: South Carolina ($2.10), Arizona ($2.12), Alabama ($2.13), Tennessee ($2.13), Mississippi ($2.14), Texas ($2.14), Arkansas ($2.15), Louisiana ($2.15), Oklahoma ($2.15) and Missouri ($2.18).

    The nation’s top 10 most expensive markets are: Hawaii ($3.01), California ($2.76), Alaska ($2.68), Washington ($2.67), District of Colombia ($2.59), Pennsylvania ($2.57), New York ($2.52), Illinois ($2.49), Oregon ($2.48) and Connecticut ($2.47).