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Why gas prices are likely to rise 'very soon'

It'll likely cost you more to fill up at the pump soon.
Credit: AP
A motorist fills up the fuel tank of a vehicle at a Shell station Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Englewood, Colo.

WASHINGTON — While the national average for a gallon of gas is currently down compared to this time last year, change may be coming to the pump soon. 

According to AAA, the cost to fill up could rise soon now that the cost of oil is crossing the $80 mark and with warmer temperatures and better weather set to lead to increased demand. The organization also noted that the incoming arrival of summer blend gas also tends to traditionally increase prices at the pump by 10 to 15 cents.

“This is the time of year we normally see pump prices start to rise,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And while prices have been rather pokey so far, they should begin to accelerate and move higher very soon.”   

The national average gas price Thursday was $3.41 per gallon, according to AAA, up 16 cents from last month, but still five cents less than a year ago. 

Gas prices haven't been this high since early November 2023, when the national average for a gallon was at $3.44. Since then, it's dipped down to $3.07 in mid-January and has been gradually climbing back up. 

AAA: The places with the most expensive gas in the U.S. currently

  1. California ($4.87)
  2. Hawaii ($4.71)
  3. Washington ($4.24)
  4. Nevada ($4.14)
  5. Oregon ($3.98)
  6. Alaska ($3.76)
  7. Illinois ($3.70)
  8. Arizona ($3.64)
  9. Washington, D.C. ($3.57)
  10. Pennsylvania ($3.50)

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