COLUMBIA, SC (Press Release) – Average retail gasoline prices in South Carolina have risen 3.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.04/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 3,028 gas outlets in South Carolina. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.29/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.
Including the change in gas prices in South Carolina during the past week, prices yesterday were 107.8 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 19.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 26.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 111.5 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.
“The seasonal lift in gasoline prices remains well underway across the country, with the West Coast seeing the most excruciating rate of price increases,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy. “Not only is the national average up some 27 cents per gallon versus last month, but some areas- like California- are seeing extra hits at the pump as a refinery explosion and seasonal gasoline requirements leading to a home run- and not for the home team,” DeHaan said.
California easily won the “home run” contest, with gasoline prices rising over an average of 15c/gal in the last week alone. Following close behind was Nevada, up over 11c/gal, Delaware, up 11c/gal, as well as other West Coast states Oregon and Washington- up 10c/gal, while Arizona was in the running for a double digit increase as well. And those along the West Coast should be prepared for another rocky week, according to DeHaan, who said prices in California will rise at least another 15-25c/gal over the next two weeks while Oregon, Washington, and Arizona will see similar spikes.
Meanwhile, nearby the West Coast, the Rocky Mountain region- home to the only two remaining states enjoying sub $2/gal averages- enjoyed the nation’s lowest gasoline prices. Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming had the cheapest averages in the United States, with South Carolina taking the fifth spot. But if past history is any guide, motorists may see price increases slowing down- last year, the national average increased just 13c/gal between February 23 and March 23, a much smaller increase than what motorists have seen during the last month.