Gas Prices Rise 30 Cents in a Month

Prices at the pump keep climbing.

The national average for a gallon of gas has increased for 34 consecutive days, rising 47 cents or more than 14 percent during this stretch, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report.

This is the longest streak since the price increased 44 cents over 44 days March 22-May 5, 2011.

In the Lehigh Valley, the average price of self-serve gasoline is $3.751 per gallon, 3.4 cents higher than a week ago, 27.4 cents higher than a month ago and 10.2 cents higher than a year ago.

In Pennsylvania, the average price of self-serve gasoline is now $3.788 per gallon, up 5.6 cents since last week.

One reason for the price increase is the trend of U.S. refineries performing seasonal maintenance and making the switchover to summer blend gasoline production earlier in the year, the report states.

Regional supplies can decrease when refineries go offline and subsequently markets are more sensitive during the changeover period to refinery disruptions that would further squeeze supply, as we have this year.

Nearby, the cheapest price for regular is $3.66 per gallon at the Giant Food Store and Weis Markets locations in Forks and Palmer Townships and the Wawa on 25th Street in Palmer Township.

If you spotted a better price, tell us in comments.

2/20/13

WEEK AGO

YEAR AGO

National

$3.766

$3.618

$3.570

Pennsylvania

$3.788

$3.732

$3.666

Bucks/Montgomery Area

$3.777

$3.720

$3.660

Lehigh Valley

$3.751

$3.717

$3.649