Gasoline prices up in Huntsville area

Published 5:30 am Friday, August 3, 2018

Gasoline prices

If it seems like you paid more for gasoline this week, it’s not a figment of your imagination.

Gas prices in the Huntsville area and nationally have been on the rise over the last several days. AAA experts say U.S. gasoline demand strengthened and supply declined, with prices in many states increasing since last week.

AAA anticipates prices to remain volatile in the weeks ahead as the Labor Day holiday approaches.

“When crude oil is tight, gas prices tend to trend higher, which is what we’re most likely seeing here,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, a public and government affairs manager for AAA.

In some states, gas prices are up but local prices are down. The national average for a gallon of unleaded gas Thursday, according to gasbuddy.com, was $2.87 cents.

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Prices Sunday were 52.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago and are 2.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has dropped 0.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 53.4 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

The average price per gallon in Alabama was $2.57, while the price per gallon in Limestone County was slightly less at $2.53. Gas prices in Athens ranged Thursday from $2.44 at the Mapco on South Jefferson Street to $2.55 at Murphy USA.

“Indications of continued strong summertime demand for gasoline along with robust fuel export numbers could serve to help sustain moderately higher gas prices,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “ … More geopolitical events such as the closing of oil ports on the Red Sea, affecting Saudi Arabian crude exports, are sure to provide more upwards momentum for fuel prices in the week ahead.”

Average gasoline prices on July 30 in Huntsville have ranged widely over the last five years:

• $2.01 per gallon in 2017;

• $1.88 per gallon in 2016;

• $2.33 per gallon in 2015;

• $3.26 per gallon in 2014; and

• $3.33 per gallon in 2013.