Gas Prices Move Up in Western States But Down in Rest of U.S.
WASHINGTON - States in the Western U.S. saw prices rise as much as 45.6 cents, while prices in the central and Midwestern states fell between 20 and 28.5 cents, according to the latest report from AAA.
WASHINGTON – Gasoline prices continue to follow the trend where the national average is falling but large regional differences remain, according to AAA’s latest report. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.79 per gallon, which is 3 cents less than a week ago and 8 cents down from a month ago. This price is still 34 cents more expensive than the average price a year ago at this same time.
The lowest prices in the U.S. are in eight Midwestern and central states. Those states have seen the following price drops since Sept. 14: Kansas, 20.5 cents; Oklahoma, 22.1 cents; Missouri, 22.3 cents; Minnesota, 23.0 cents; Indiana, 25.1 cents; Michigan, 25.8 cents; Ohio, 26.5 cents; and Illinois, 28.5 cents.
On the other hand, states in the West, including Alaska, Hawaii, Caliornia, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada all saw prices move up. The highest increase was in California, where prices moved up 45.6 cents. The average price in California remains at $4.67 per gallon. This price increase is pushing prices in other states in the region up as well, according to AAA.
Diesel prices are staying above $4 per gallon across the U.S., on average, according to a recent report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. California is still seeing the highest price for on-highway diesel, at $4.43 per gallon, but the lowest price is still an average of $4.02 in the Gulf Coast states as of Oct. 15.
AAA noted that these price disparities are not being caused by corresponding increases in oil prices. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil was at $92.48 at the beginning of the month and was at $91.86 as of Oct. 12.
Updated 10:41 a.m. with diesel price information.
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