Delaware’s average gas prices have risen by 32 cents in the past week thanks to higher crude oil prices and increased demand, AAA reported.
Delaware and Maryland were tied for first place among the 50 states when it came to the highest weekly increase. The increase was double that national figure. The average price in both states is still well below the $4 a gallon or more averages in western states.
OPEC’s recent announcement that the group of oil-producing nations would slash output by 2 million barrels per day led to the price of oil creeping above $90 a barrel for the first time in several weeks.
Delaware average gas prices
| Time frame | Regular | Mid-Grade | Premium | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Avg. | $3.637 | $4.052 | $4.324 | $4.977 |
| Yesterday Avg. | $3.567 | $3.986 | $4.272 | $4.889 |
| Week Ago Avg. | $3.323 | $3.789 | $4.062 | $4.676 |
| Month Ago Avg. | $3.429 | $3.948 | $4.226 | $4.694 |
| Year Ago Avg. | $3.186 | $3.548 | $3.799 | $3.437 |
Meanwhile, domestic demand increased as more drivers filled their tanks.
“Gas prices in California are finally cooling off, as more refineries come back online after undergoing maintenance and the switch to cheaper winter blends takes effect,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “High West Coast prices have played a major role in the recent climb in the national average for gas. Reversing this trend may help take some pressure off of pump prices.”
Parts of Delaware and Maryland had previous seen signs signs of a gas war, perhaps due to a slump in demand.
AAA’s Gas Price Finder indicated that two stations on Concord Pike in north Wilmington had the lowest price for a gallon of regular in Delaware at $3.30.
Crude oil, said to make up 50% to 60% of the price of the pump was trading at aroound $89 a barrel.
