The price at the pump has risen about four cents a gallon from last week, AAA reported.
The state’s gas prices fell by four centers over the weekend and now match the national average. Historically, Delaware gas prices have been below the national figure due in part to the state’s lower gas tax.
Delaware briefly saw an average of $3 a gallon gas late last year, but prices have since been on the upswing.
Gas prices are still about 50 cents below the figure from a month ago. That reduced the cost of a 15-gallon fill-up by about $7.50.
Delaware average prices on Monday
| Timeframe | Regular | Mid-Grade | Premium | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Avg. | $3.501 | $3.960 | $4.226 | $4.541 |
| Yesterday Avg. | $3.523 | $3.968 | $4.248 | $4.548 |
| Week Ago Avg. | $3.462 | $3.864 | $4.143 | $4.384 |
| Month Ago Avg. | $3.122 | $3.533 | $3.794 | $4.686 |
| Year Ago Avg. | $3.277 | $3.663 | $3.920 | $3.740 |
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, overall gas demand rose slightly from 8.05 to 8.14 million barrels last week. Although winter storms at the end of 2022 have contributed to tighter supply, the mild winter this month may have led to more drivers getting behind the wheel, pushing pump prices higher.
Also, the price of gas has been bolstered by optimism that global oil demand will be more robust than anticipated in 2023 due to China re-opening its economy after imposing strict Covid-19 lockdowns that curtailed demand, AAA reported.
Crude oil is now trading at around $80 a barrel.
The Biden administration has been refilling the nation’s strategic reserve after a release aimed at lowering gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move drew fire from Republicans with the House passing a bill limiting the president’s power to tap into the reserve. Republicans claim the decision was based on aiding Democrats during mid-term elections.
