Gas prices climb due to increased oil prices, cold weather
The average price of gasoline across the United States has resumed its upward climb, increasing by 6.5 cents per gallon in the past week, according to data from GasBuddy.
As of Jan. 21, the national average stands at $3.09 per gallon, reflecting a 4.5-cent increase from the previous month and a slight 1.8-cent rise compared to the same time last year.
Gas prices in New Jersey have risen about 11 cents since Jan. 14, when the average around the Garden State was $2.99 per gallon.
Diesel prices have seen a more significant jump, rising by 8.1 cents per gallon in the last week. The national average for diesel fuel currently sits at $3.606 per gallon.
"With oil prices reaching their highest point since July last week, it was inevitable that gasoline prices would start to climb again," explained Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "The surge in diesel prices can be attributed to increased demand for heating oil as colder weather sets in."
Gas price trends
The most common U.S. gas price encountered by motorists stood at $3.19 per gallon, up 20 cents from last week, followed by $2.99, $2.89, $2.79 and $3.09 rounding out the top five most common prices.
The median U.S. gas price is $2.99 per gallon, up 5 cents from last week and about 10 cents lower than the national average.
The top 10% of stations in the country average $4.18 per gallon, while the bottom 10% average $2.57 per gallon.
The states with the lowest average prices: Mississippi ($2.64), Texas ($2.66), Oklahoma ($2.67).
The states with the highest average prices: Hawaii ($4.49), California ($4.38), and Washington ($3.85).
Biggest weekly changes: Maryland (+21.6 cents), Delaware (+18.3 cents), Oklahoma (+14.4 cents), Kansas (+13.5 cents), Indiana (+12.4 cents)
Source: gasbuddy.com