The upward climb of gasoline prices in Louisiana continues. Gas prices have risen 4.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.23/g Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,436 stations. Gas prices in Louisiana are 25.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, yet stand 6.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
“As predicted, gas prices advanced across much of the country for the fourth straight week even as oil prices held relatively stable at $56 per barrel,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Louisiana is priced at $1.99/g while the most expensive is $2.96/g, a difference of 97.0 cents per gallon. The cheapest price in the entire country stands at $1.59/g while the most expensive is $4.99/g, a difference of $3.40/g.
The national average price of gasoline has risen 4.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.48/g today. The national average is up 19.6 cents per gallon from a month ago, yet stands 3.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
“The reason for the continued disconnect remains similar to weeks past: refinery maintenance is ongoing and eating into supply and production levels, while more expensive, cleaner burning gasoline is now the predominate fuel being produced. This has pushed up wholesale gas prices even as oil remains mostly calm,” DeHaan said.
Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:
Baton Rouge- $2.17/g, unchanged from last week’s $2.17/g.
Jackson- $2.20/g, up 1.8 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.18/g.
New Orleans- $2.22/g, up 4.1 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.18/g.
“Expect rising prices to knock out the 135 remaining stations in the nation priced at $1.99 per gallon of less, while the number of stations over $3 per gallon will likely grow, mainly out West as the pinch at the pump grows in those areas- the first in the nation to fully move to summer gasoline in the next two weeks,” DeHaan said.