Gas Prices Rising But Still Low

Average retail gasoline prices in Yakima have risen 1.5 cents per gallon in the past week averaging $3.69 per gallon yesterday according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 91 gas outlets in Yakima. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.61 per gallon according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Yakima during the past week, prices yesterday were 27.2 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 23.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 2.4 cents per gallon during the past month and stands 18.7 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

"American motorists faced with slightly higher gasoline prices going into Labor Day weekend still had good reason to be happy as they returned home," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "Over just the long weekend Americans saved nearly $300,000,000 over what was spent for the four day weekend last year. The national average was close to 20-cents per gallon lower this year, and while Syria has dominated the news and so far caused a relatively small blip in gasoline prices, this summer driving season closed with the lowest prices since 2010."