As the temperatures warm this spring more and more people are doing something they didn't do at this time last year. They're traveling. That means more people are buying gas and seeing rising gas prices. According to officials at GasBuddy gas prices in Yakima are up 1.2 cents per gallon in the past week with the average price as $3.19 per gallon Today. GasBuddy says prices in Yakima are 17.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 56.4 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. They say the cheapest station in Yakima is priced at $2.67 per gallon Today while the most expensive is $3.49 per gallon. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy says "last week was a mixed bag for consumers at the pump as gas prices in half of states rose, while the other half saw declines, with March closing like a lamb after starting out like a lion,"De Haan continues "Oil prices have shown signs of strength in the last few trading sessions, as OPEC agreed to raise oil production starting in May by a very modest 350,000 barrels per day. Overall, it's a small increase in output as global demand continues to show strength in light of Covid-related improvements. U.S. gasoline demand rose for the sixth straight week as consumers hit the road for Easter, and with demand growth likely to remain robust, we may see a second attempt at a run at a national average of $3 per gallon in the months ahead. While the last few weeks have seen gas prices hold mostly steady, it's not likely to last forever, especially as Americans increasingly get outside as warmer temperatures return."

Historical gasoline prices in Yakima and the national average going back ten years:
April 5, 2020: $2.63/g (U.S. Average: $1.91/g)
April 5, 2019: $3.11/g (U.S. Average: $2.74/g)
April 5, 2018: $3.04/g (U.S. Average: $2.66/g)
April 5, 2017: $2.84/g (U.S. Average: $2.38/g)
April 5, 2016: $2.25/g (U.S. Average: $2.05/g)
April 5, 2015: $2.53/g (U.S. Average: $2.39/g)
April 5, 2014: $3.64/g (U.S. Average: $3.57/g)
April 5, 2013: $3.63/g (U.S. Average: $3.62/g)
April 5, 2012: $4.07/g (U.S. Average: $3.94/g)
April 5, 2011: $3.78/g (U.S. Average: $3.69/g)

GasBuddy did a comparison with other areas in the state.
Tacoma- $3.40/g, down 0.8 cents per gallon from last week's $3.41/g.
Seattle- $3.47/g, down 1 cent per gallon from last week's $3.48/g.
Washington- $3.25/g, down 1 cent per gallon from last week's $3.26/g.

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