Gas Prices Rise 45 Cents in a Month

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.

The average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in the Nazareth area is $3.75, up 14 cents since last week, 45 cents higher than a month ago and 18 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 $3.73 at the Fuel Cell in Belfast (Plainfield 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

Lehigh Valley

$3.751

$3.717

$3.649