Staff Report
Minden Press-Herald
Average retail gasoline prices in Louisiana have risen 2.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.43/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,436 gas outlets in Louisiana.
This compares with the national average that has increased 4.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.65/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.
“As the Basketball version of March Madness wraps up today, it’s just getting established at gas pumps across the country. This past week has not only brought higher gas prices, but in addition, the national average finds itself mere days away from rising to the highest level seen in nearly 1,000 days,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
Including the change in gas prices in Louisiana during the past week, prices yesterday were 33.3 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 10.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 12.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 33.1 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.
Areas near Louisiana and their current gas price climate:
Baton Rouge- $2.39/g, up 5.6 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.33/g.
Jackson- $2.38/g, up 2.4 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.35/g.
New Orleans- $2.40/g, up 4.5 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.36/g.
“The usual suspects are at play, leaving little surprise to the higher prices we’re facing, but that’s little comfort to motorists being hit with gas prices in 17 states that have risen over 15 cents per gallon in the last 30 days alone,” DeHaan said.
“Think of the spring surge as a bit of a race- some states will see their price rally early and fast-paced, while others may lag behind- so no matter if prices near you surged or haven’t yet, we’re all going to eventually feel a similar rise amongst all states.”