Gas prices continue uptick with continued economic recovery

Gas prices are up for the seventh straight week as people hit the roads for work, shopping and other travel with the slow lifting of public health restrictions.

Virginia gas prices have risen 5.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.89/gallon today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 4,081 stations.

That level is 17.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and 55.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

The national average price of gasoline has risen 4.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.09/gallon today.

The national average is up 23.3 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 57.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

GasBuddy data = available at FuelInsights.GasBuddy.com – shows U.S. gasoline demand rose 2.4 percent last week to its highest level in over three months, according to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

“I expect the upward trend to continue across most of the country ahead of July 4, with prices perhaps rising another 10-20 cents by then,” De Haan said. “The one thing that could bring restraint to rising gas prices is if we see a significant second wave of COVID-19 cases, but for now, I’m optimistic that won’t happen.”

Historical gasoline prices in Virginia and the national average going back ten years:

• June 15, 2019: $2.45/g (U.S. Average: $2.67/g)
• June 15, 2018: $2.68/g (U.S. Average: $2.90/g)
• June 15, 2017: $2.11/g (U.S. Average: $2.30/g)
• June 15, 2016: $2.18/g (U.S. Average: $2.37/g)
• June 15, 2015: $2.59/g (U.S. Average: $2.81/g)
• June 15, 2014: $3.46/g (U.S. Average: $3.67/g)
• June 15, 2013: $3.39/g (U.S. Average: $3.62/g)
• June 15, 2012: $3.28/g (U.S. Average: $3.52/g)
• June 15, 2011: $3.57/g (U.S. Average: $3.68/g)
• June 15, 2010: $2.54/g (U.S. Average: $2.67/g)

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:

• Roanoke- $1.82/g, up 4.4 cents per gallon from last week’s $1.77/g.
• Richmond- $1.85/g, up 7.0 cents per gallon from last week’s $1.78/g.
• West Virginia- $2.03/g, up 5.8 cents per gallon from last week’s $1.97/g.