Gas Prices Up Just Like Temperatures

Are you planning a spring or summer road trip? Compared to the past this may be a great year to drive farther and faster. Ok not faster. But cheap gas prices could give you a new place to drive and enjoy. Here's the latest from our friends at Gasbuddy.com

"Yakima, WA, April 4- Average retail gasoline prices in Yakima have risen 3.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.27/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 91 gas outlets in Yakima. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.06/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Yakima during the past week, prices yesterday were 26.9 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 27.0 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 24.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 33.6 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on April 4 in Yakima have ranged widely over the last five years:

$2.54/g in 2015, $3.62/g in 2014, $3.61/g in 2013, $4.06/g in 2012 and $3.76/g in 2011.

Areas nearby Yakima and their current gas price climate:

Tacoma- $2.32/g, up 0.3 cents per gallon from last week's $2.32/g.

Seattle- $2.34/g, up 1.8 cents per gallon from last week's $2.33/g.

Washington- $2.29/g, up 2.0 cents per gallon from last week's $2.27/g.

“The end of March last week capped a 30.5 cent per gallon jump in the national retail gasoline price average for the month.  As prices now sit at the highest since November 2015, April brings the final phase of the transition to the more expensive summer-blend gasoline.  Southern California was the first region in the United States to complete the summer-blend switchover on Friday, while the rest of the United States follows suit at the end of the month.  Although gas prices are expected to continue to increase this week, improving refinery utilization has helped cool March’s feverish rise,” said Will Speer, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst."