Tightening supply combined with strong gasoline demand contributed to pump prices moving higher over the past week. Today’s average price of $2.36 per gallon represents an increase of four cents per gallon since last week’s Memorial Day Holiday, and drivers are paying 14 cents per gallon more than one month ago to refuel their vehicles. Year-over-year discounts persist due to crude oil prices remaining relatively low, but discounts are beginning to narrow and have closed to 40 cents per gallon versus this same date last year. Additional information about the price at the pump can be accessed on the newly released AAA Gas Prices website, which includes enhanced features and a fresh design.

Drivers are taking to the roads at a record-setting pace, and gasoline demand remains on target to reach unprecedented highs during this year’s summer driving season. Gasoline production is reportedly keeping pace with growing demand, yet unexpected events with production or distribution could lead to higher prices given the fact that millions of Americans are taking road trips this month.

Quick Stats

• The nation’s top five most expensive markets are: California ($2.83), Hawaii ($2.71), Alaska ($2.65), Washington ($2.62), and Michigan ($2.60).
• The nation’s top five least expensive markets are: South Carolina ($2.10), Mississippi ($2.11), Arkansas ($2.13), Oklahoma ($2.13) and Texas ($2.15).
• The national average moved higher for 25 of the past 26 days, for a total increase of 25 cents per gallon.
• Today’s average is the lowest for this time of year since 2005.

West Coast

A number of refineries in California are reporting challenges, including the newly restarted ExxonMobil Torrance, Calif. plant and Chevron’s El Segundo, Calif. refinery. Reduced gasoline production in the state has historically led to price spikes based on the region’s relative isolation from other markets and its unique fuel specifications, but ample supply in the region is appearing keep prices relatively steady on the week (+/- 3 cents).

States in the region continue to post some of the nation’s highest averages at the pump: California ($2.83), Hawaii ($2.71), Alaska ($2.65) and Washington ($2.62). Nevertheless, the region is doing much better than a year ago with prices at least 50 cents per gallon cheaper: California (-79 cents), Nevada (-76 cents), Alaska (-73 cents), Hawaii (-60 cents), Arizona (-56 cents) and Oregon (-53 cents).

Midwest

Fuel supplies have declined in the Midwest over the past month due to lingering refinery issues, and as a result, drivers in the region are paying some of the nation’s highest averages at the pump. Four of the nation’s top 10 most expensive markets are located in the region: Michigan ($2.60), Ohio ($2.60), Illinois ($2.53) and Indiana ($2.51). Meanwhile, drivers in Ohio (+12 cents), Michigan (+9 cents), Kentucky (+9 cents) and Indiana (+7 cents) have seen prices jump more than a nickel per gallon on the week. Additionally, the largest monthly increases in gas prices are seen in Ohio (+41 cents), Michigan (+38 cents) and Indiana (+33 cents), and drivers in every Midwestern state are paying at least a dime more per gallon over this same period.

Refineries in the Midwest have recently increased production to the highest rates since March, though output continues to lag behind last year’s levels. There is hope that the region might soon experience price relief if production continues to increase.

Gulf Coast

On the whole, the Gulf Coast remains home to some of the nation’s lowest averages for retail gasoline. Three of the nation’s five least-expensive markets are located in the region: Mississippi ($2.11), Arkansas ($2.13) and Texas ($2.15). Unplanned refinery maintenance and severe weather are reportedly impacting pump prices in the region and prices moved higher on the week by a nickel or more in Texas (+6 cents) and Louisiana (+5 cents).

Pump prices in the region could fluctuate in the near term due to flooding in Texas, which prompted the closure Magellan Midstream Partner’s pipeline. This pipeline transports products from Gulf Coast refineries to distribution terminals located both in Texas and outside of the region, and is expected to be out of service for approximately two weeks. Supply in the region could be impacted due to its closure, and Magellan is reportedly looking for alternative supply options.

Oil Market Dynamics

Crude oil prices opened the week moving higher as geopolitical tensions in Nigeria threaten to disrupt the country’s production. The lower-than-expected U.S. job growth rate also contributed to expectations that the Fed would refrain from increasing its interest rate. This decision could weaken the U.S. dollar, which typically leads to higher oil prices. At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI closed down 55 cents to settle at $48.62 per barrel.

Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.