Pump Prices Inch Higher as States Begin to Reopen

NATIONAL REPORT — After weeks of cratering gas prices, the national average gas price rose by 1 cent.

Less than a dozen state averages rose last week, but their increases were large enough to push the national average to $1.78 as of May 4, reported AAA.

The current national average is 16 cents less than a month ago and $1.11 less than one year ago.

"As some states begin to re-open businesses, those states will likely see demand increase and pump prices will likely follow suit," said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. "Although U.S. gasoline demand has incrementally increased, it remains below 6 million b/d."

The Great Lakes and Central region experienced double-digit increases in a few states. However, the majority of the United States saw gas prices decline by 5 cents or less. Price fluctuation is expected to continue over the coming weeks as more states begin to reopen and more drivers are on the roads.

The top 10 largest weekly changes include price increases in Wisconsin (27 cents), Ohio (19 cents), Indiana (16 cents), Michigan (13 cents), Iowa (7 cents), Illinois (6 cents) and Kentucky (6 cents), with price drops occurring in Utah (6 cents), Montana (6 cents) and Wyoming (5 cents).

The top 10 least expensive markets are Oklahoma ($1.37), Arkansas ($1.39), Missouri ($1.44), Kansas ($1.46), Wisconsin ($1.46), Mississippi ($1.48), Kentucky ($1.49), Texas ($1.49), Michigan ($1.53) and Tennessee ($1.54).

Great Lakes & Central States

Many states in this region saw significant increases in the past week after nearly eight weeks of some of the largest price drops in the country. However, the recent price increases are not universal across the region, as several states are seeing prices decline a few cents on the week.

Drivers can expect continued price increases in the coming week, but the amount will vary from a few cents to 10 cents or more depending on the state, AAA reported.

South & Southeast

Gas prices averages here are two to three cents cheaper week over week, with Oklahoma and Arkansas offering the cheapest gas in the country. Mississippi, Texas and Tennessee are also among the top 10 least expensive states.

Healthy stock levels and the partial re-opening underway for many states in this region could prompt gas prices to begin increasing next week.

Mid-Atlantic & Northeast

Most states in this region continue to pay less for fuel. Vermont saw the largest weekly price drop at 3 cents.

Gas prices here range from $2.17 to $1.67, with only four markets carrying gas prices above $2 per gallon: Washington, D.C. ($2.17), New York ($2.15), Pennsylvania ($2.02) and New Jersey ($1.99).

In the week ahead, the majority of the region is likely to see gas prices hold steady or minimally decline due to continuing stay at home orders in most states.

Rockies

All state in this region have averages under $2 per gallon: Colorado ($1.71), Montana ($1.76), Idaho ($1.79), Wyoming ($1.85) and Utah ($1.98).

Utah, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho also saw some of the largest weekly price drops. Compared to one month ago, Idaho (44 cents), Utah (31 cents) and Wyoming (26 cents) also saw some of the largest price differences in the country.

As some states here begin to phase in re-opening business, gasoline demand could increase in the coming weeks.

West Coast

All states here continue to see prices decline, but more slowly than a month ago. Oregon and Arizona both saw the largest regional price drops at 4 cents for each.

Hawaii ($3.15) and California ($2.74) remain the most expensive markets in the country, followed by Washington ($2.44), Oregon ($2.38), Nevada ($2.31), Arizona ($2.10) and Alaska ($2).

Low gas demand is expected to bring continued lower pump prices.