Not Yet Winter Gas Still Cheap

It's not yet winter and gas prices are still well below $3 a gallon. Average retail gasoline prices in Yakima have fallen 3.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.53/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 91 gas outlets in Yakima. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.18/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Yakima during the past week, prices yesterday were 19.7 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 17.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 3.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 14.1 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on December 5 in Yakima have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.34/g in 2015, $2.94/g in 2014, $3.23/g in 2013, $3.43/g in 2012 and $3.53/g in 2011.

Areas nearby Yakima and their current gas price climate:

Yakima- $2.53/g, down 3.0 cents per gallon from last week's $2.56/g.

“If I had a nickle for everytime OPEC said it was going to cut oil production, I could probably buy everyone free gas on Christmas,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. “While OPEC signaled at its meeting in Vienna that it would cut crude oil production, it also created a committee to monitor the reduced production quotas- addressing the issue of cheating- an issue that has been pervasive for the organization. For now, oil markets have bid up oil prices in a fury believing the agreement, which comes in to force in January, is exactly what's needed to balance supply and demand. I, however, believe this rally represents a balloon that's filled with too much air and risks a correction (popping the balloon) that may be seen in due time."