Throughout the state, gas prices have seen a notable increase. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen by six cents in the last week, with a 26 cent increase from this same time last month. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman said the trend is likely to continue into summer.
“We’re looking at an average or $2.39, almost $2.40 a gallon. Our forecast is that those prices will probably continue to climb until we get in to May, early in to June,” said Redman.
Redman said the current average is higher than initially forecast, but about equal to this time last year’s price at this time of $2.39, which likely means a more expensive summer travel season than originally predicted.
“We kind of look at those numbers of where we were last year. By the time we got into June we were looking at a statewide average about $2.67 a gallon, and we may be pretty close to those same pricesas we get into late May, early June,” said Redman.
Redman said an unforeseen surge in demand, along with crude prices around $59 a barrel, and other factors have contributed to the rise.
“With the continued sanctions in Venezuela and Iran, as well as OPEC continuing to cut back production on crude, we could see the crude prices climb up to $65 per barrel and potentially even higher,” said Redman.
