WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline rose slightly over the past week to $2.84, but drivers are still paying less than they did a year ago, according to AAA.
AAA said the average increased a couple of cents from $2.82 a week ago. A year ago, the national average was $3.09, AAA said.
Pump prices are typically low in January because demand tends to dip and refiners switch to cheaper winter-blend gasoline, AAA said. The group also noted that crude oil prices remain relatively low as markets monitor tensions involving Iran, a major oil producer and member of OPEC. AAA said any disruption to Iran’s oil infrastructure could ripple into U.S. gas prices.
New federal data also showed demand rising. The Energy Information Administration reported gasoline demand increased last week from 8.17 million barrels per day to 8.30 million, while total domestic gasoline supply rose from 242 million barrels to 251 million. Gasoline production averaged 9.0 million barrels per day, the agency said.
In oil trading, West Texas Intermediate crude rose 87 cents Wednesday to settle at $62.02 a barrel, AAA said. The EIA reported crude oil inventories increased by 3.4 million barrels to 422.4 million barrels, about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year.
AAA said the national average price at a public electric vehicle charging station held steady at 38 cents per kilowatt hour.
Among the most expensive gasoline markets listed by AAA were Hawaii at $4.40 a gallon and California at $4.21. The least expensive markets included Oklahoma at $2.32 and Texas at $2.42, AAA said.
AAA said drivers can find current gas and public charging prices along their route using its TripTik Travel planner.
