After Months Of Falling Prices Gas On The Rise

After months of falling gas prices in the Yakima Valley the first increase of the fall is now upon us. Average retail gasoline prices in Yakima have risen 5.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.44/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 91 gas outlets in Yakima. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.22/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. Including the change in gas prices in Yakima during the past week, prices yesterday were 64.9 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 5.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 10.4 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 70.5 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.  "Motorists were hit with rising gas prices in 33 of the nation's 50 states, catching up with recent increases in crude oil prices, while the Midwest, stung from increases from the previous week, saw relief," said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst.

"While we'll see lower gasoline prices to return to much of the country in the weeks ahead, these types of isolated blips in gasoline prices do occasionally happen during times when crude oil prices are volatile. With recent Fed comments about raising interest rates propelling markets, don't be surprised if we see occasional small gas prices increases followed by decreases, leading to a lower gasoline prices in time for the holidays.