(May 3, 2016) WASHINGTON — Gas prices are at their highest levels in more than six months, and the national average has remained above $2 per gallon for 40 consecutive days. This week's average price of $2. 22 represents an increase of eight cents per gallon on the week, and prices are up 16 cents per gallon on the month, according to weekly statistics compiled by AAA.

Ample gasoline supplies and relatively lower crude oil costs are helping to sustain year-over-year savings, with today’s price discounted by 39 cents per gallon versus a year ago.

Gasoline demand continues to break seasonal records as low prices motivate people to drive more, AAA reports. Additionally, crude oil costs are also increasing and recently reached new 2016 highs. Increased demand and more expensive oil costs have helped to push gas prices higher in many parts of the country over the past few weeks, and prices may move even higher leading into the busy summer driving season.

The average price at the pump for April was $2.10 per gallon, which is the lowest average for this month since 2009. Only 20 percent of U.S. stations are still selling gas for less than $2 per gallon and pump prices are moving due to growth in fuel demand, which is up 5.6 percent versus a year ago, according to the latest data from the U.S. EIA. Gas prices have increased by 52 cents per gallon after hitting a 2016 low in mid-February.

Four states are posting averages below $2 per gallon, which is nine fewer states than last week’s report. Retail averages have historically fluctuated during this time of year, and although the overall price at the pump is beginning to trend higher, gas prices during this year’s summer driving should remain noticeably discounted in comparison to previous years.



The national average price of diesel has been cheaper than gasoline for the past five days, and diesel may remain less expensive than gasoline for the remainder of the summer. In recent years it has been rare for diesel to be cheaper than gasoline. The last time the national average price of diesel was less than gasoline for a significant period was in the summer of 2009, when the average was cheaper for 48 days in a row.

It is possible that diesel will remain cheaper than gasoline for the next 3-4 months due to abundant supplies and seasonal factors impacting both gasoline and diesel.

Quick Stats

    • The nation’s top five most expensive markets are: California ($2. 80), Hawaii ($2. 58), Nevada ($2.48), Alaska ($2.42) and Washington ($2.42).

    • The nation’s top five least expensive markets are: Oklahoma ($1.96), Texas ($1.98), Missouri ($1.99), Kansas ($1.99) and Mississippi ($2.00).

    • The most common price at the pump is $1.999 per gallon.

Consumer Attitudes

The lower price environment for gas prices has not only led to drivers taking to the roads at record levels, but is also shifting attitudes about various price points. Attitudes towards gas prices have changed significantly over the past few years, according to a new survey by AAA:

    • Half of U.S. drivers now believe gas is “too high” at $2.50 per gallon. This figure has dropped significantly in relationship to the price of gas. As recently as 2014, half of Americans believed gas was “too high” at $3.30 per gallon, while last year half of Americans believed it was “too high” at $3 per gallon. Only nine percent of U.S. stations are selling gas for more than $2.50 per gallon today.

    • More than 35 percent of Americans believe that gas is “too high” based on today’s average price, even though gas prices are at the lowest levels since 2009. The vast majority of Americans also do not believe that gas is “cheap” today.

West Coast

Gas prices on the West Coast remain some of the highest in the nation, led by California ($2.80) and Hawaii ($2.58), which are the only two states with averages above $2.50 per gallon. Regional neighbors Nevada ($2.48), Alaska ($2.42) and Washington ($2.42) join in the rankings as the top five most expensive markets. Six out of ten of the nation’s top 10 most expensive retail markets are located in this region.

Midwest

Prices in the Midwest continue to swing significantly due to movements in supply and demand. Retail averages are up double digits on the week in the Midwestern states of Michigan (+13 cents), Ohio (+13 cents), Indiana (+11 cents) and Illinois (+10 cents). Some of the largest jumps in gas prices month-over-month are also seen in the region, and averages are up by more than a quarter per gallon in Illinois (+29 cents), Indiana (+28 cents), Ohio (+28 cents) on the month.

Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast region includes some of nation’s least expensive markets for retail gasoline: Texas ($1.98), Louisiana ($2.00), Arkansas ($2.00) and New Mexico ($2.03). Ample supply is a contributing factor to the comparatively lower prices in the region, and the latest data from the U.S. EIA reflects an increase in gasoline inventories.

Approximately 50 percent of the total U.S. refining capacity is located along the Gulf coast, which generally helps prices in the region to remain relatively low. However, a few refineries in the region are reporting challenges and supply could begin to tighten in the near term, which could support higher prices in the near term.