Gas prices across the country rose slightly this week, but drivers are still paying less at the pump than they were a year ago.
AAA reports the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline increased a couple of cents to $2.84. That remains well below the $3.08 average recorded at the same time last year.
AAA said January typically brings lower gas prices due to reduced demand and the use of cheaper winter-blend gasoline. Crude oil prices also remain relatively low, though analysts continue to watch tensions in Iran, a major oil-producing nation. AAA warned that any disruption to Iran’s oil infrastructure could ripple through global markets and affect prices in the U.S.
According to the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand rose slightly last week, increasing from 8.17 million barrels per day to 8.30 million. Domestic gasoline supplies also grew, climbing from 242 million barrels to 251 million barrels, while production averaged 9.0 million barrels per day.
Oil prices edged higher midweek, with West Texas Intermediate crude settling at $62.02 per barrel. The EIA reported U.S. crude oil inventories increased by 3.4 million barrels, though total inventories remain about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year.
Electric vehicle charging costs held steady. AAA said the national average price to charge at a public EV station remains 38 cents per kilowatt hour.
Gas prices vary widely by state. Hawaii, California, and Washington continue to lead the nation with the highest prices, while Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas rank among the least expensive states at the pump.
AAA said drivers can track gas and EV charging prices along their routes using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.
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