Average retail gasoline prices in Minnesota have risen 5.7 cents in the past week, averaging $2.24 per gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 2,856 gas outlets in Minnesota. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.7 cents in the last week to $2.29 per gallon, according to gasoline price website MinnesotaGasPrices.com.
Regular gas prices in International Falls, according to the site, ranged from $2.27 to $2.44 per gallon this week.
Including the change in gas prices in Minnesota during the past week, prices Sunday were 118.1 cents per gallon lower compared to the same day one year ago and are 28.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 26.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 111.5 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.
“The seasonal lift in gasoline prices remains well underway across the country, with the West Coast seeing the most excruciating rate of price increases,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy. “Not only is the national average up some 27 cents per gallon versus last month, but some areas- like California- are seeing extra hits at the pump as a refinery explosion and seasonal gasoline requirements leading to a home run- and not for the home team,” DeHaan said.
California easily won the “home run” contest, according to a news release, with gasoline prices rising over an average of 15 cents per gallonl in the last week alone. Following close behind was Nevada, up over 11 cents per gallon, Delaware, up 11 cents per gallon, as well as other West Coast states Oregon and Washington- up 10 cents per gallon , while Arizona was in the running for a double digit increase as well. And those along the West Coast should be prepared for another rocky week, according to DeHaan, who said prices in California will rise at least another 15-25 cents per gallon over the next two weeks while Oregon, Washington, and Arizona will see similar spikes.
