Gas

While some Alabamians continue to fume over the Legislature’s recent decision to impose a 10-cent gas tax increase, drivers should take some comfort in knowing they don’t pay California prices.

Alabama on Monday had the second-cheapest gas in the country at $2.36 per gallon, though prices are rising. Only Utah had cheaper gas at $2.34 per gallon. California drivers are paying $3.49 per gallon.

The national average ($2.62 per gallon) is up 22.2 cents per gallon from a month ago, according to GasBuddy.com. That price is 2.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

Gas prices in the Huntsville area have risen 5 cents per gallon over the past week, averaging $2.36 per gallon. That price is 7 cents less per gallon than a year ago, according to GasBuddy.com.

“Thanks to increasing demand and tightening gasoline stocks across the country, March gas prices came in like a lion and will not go out like a lamb,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “State gas price averages are very similar to a year ago give or take a few pennies, which means some motorists are paying among the most expensive averages seen this time of year in the last five years.”

Prices in Athens ranged Monday from $2.27 per gallon at the Wavaho at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Hobbs Street to $2.34 per gallon at the Citgo at the corner of Alabama 99 and Elk River Mills Road.

Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, said prices are on the rise due to a combination of higher oil prices and refineries producing “cleaner” gasoline.

“There shouldn’t be any surprises that prices continue to migrate higher given the warnings in the past few months, though that doesn’t make it any easier for motorists to digest higher gas prices,” he said. “Unfortunately, as seasonal issues continue to weigh on markets along with higher oil prices, it’s likely we’ll continue to be in this pattern for at least a few more weeks.”

Gas prices traditionally rise during the spring and early summer months as the Memorial Day travel holiday approaches and more refineries shut down for scheduled maintenance and repairs.

Alabama’s 10-cent-a-gallon gas tax increase will be phased in over three years, beginning with an increase of 6 cents later this year. The first increase will become effective Sept. 1.