Delaware gas prices have risen by about four cents a gallon during th past week, AAA reported.
The national average for a gallon of gas has been rising at a leisurely pace, but with crude oil crossing the $80 a barrel mark and more people taking the roads with good weather, prices are expected to continue to climb. Another factor is more expensive summer blend gas, which can lead to the price at the pump rising by 10 to 15 cents a gallon.
Once again membership warehouse stores in northern Delaware had the lowest prices, with Costco and BJ’s at $3.05 a gallon.
“This is the time of year we normally see pump prices start to rise,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And while prices have been rather pokey so far, they should begin to accelerate and move higher very soon.”
Delaware average gas prices
| Timeframe | Regular | Mid-Grade | Premium | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Avg. | $3.291 | $3.827 | $4.119 | $4.053 |
| Yesterday Avg. | $3.291 | $3.827 | $4.110 | $4.045 |
| Week Ago Avg. | $3.243 | $3.766 | $4.057 | $4.005 |
| Month Ago Avg. | $3.263 | $3.750 | $4.059 | $4.167 |
| Year Ago Avg. | $3.252 | $3.701 | $3.973 | $3.952 |
According to data from the Energy Information Administration, gas demand increased slightly from 9.01 to 9.04 million barrels a day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks dropped by 5.6 million barrels to 234.1 million bbl.
As of Monday morning, crude oil was trading at about $81 a barrel.
Oil prices jumped last week after Ukrainian drones hit Russian refineries.
The extent of the damage is unclear, but repairs could curtail Russian petroleum product exports, including diesel, and lead it to import products it needs.
