National Average Gas Prices Surpass Previous Year Averages

The average national price for gasoline is at $2.46, which is more expensive on the week (up 4 cents), the month (up 16 cents) and the year (up 2 cents), according to AAA data. 

Today, nearly two-thirds of all state gas price averages are more expensive, year-over-year, AAA said. This past Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 was the first time in 340 days the national average was more expensive than a year ago.

Pump prices continue to climb, in part due to expensive crude oil and the market’s growing optimism that demand will increase amid the vaccination roll-out, according to AAA.

“Consumers can expect to continue paying more to fill up this month, potentially up to 10 cents more a gallon, depending on how high crude goes,” said Jeanette Casselano McGee, AAA spokesperson. “If demand grows, that will further fuel pump price increases.”

On the week, 46 state gas price averages are more expensive with 13 states seeing a nickel or more increase. 

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly increases were Florida (up 11 cents), Michigan (up 11 cents), West Virginia (up 10 cents), Missouri (up 6 cents), Wisconsin (up 6 cents), Pennsylvania (up 6 cents), Connecticut (up 6 cents), Kentucky (up 6 cents), Illinois (up 5 cents) and Louisiana (up 5 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets included Mississippi ($2.14), Texas ($2.16), Oklahoma ($2.18), Missouri ($2.19), Louisiana ($2.20), Arkansas ($2.21), South Carolina ($2.22), Kansas ($2.23) and Tennessee ($2.23).