Gas prices across Nebraska, U.S. continue to rise

Average retail gasoline prices in Nebraska have risen 6.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.42 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 1,150 gas outlets in Nebraska. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.46 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Nebraska during the past week, prices Sunday were $1.04 per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 29.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 28.4 cents per gallon during the last month and stands $1.03 per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“Drivers are finally getting a break from the big rise in gasoline prices,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy. “Gas prices have finally starting to cool off after coming into March like a lion – we can only hope they go out like a lamb. The temporary respite comes after the West Coast pulled the national average up by 8 cents between just five states: California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona.

“Calculated without them, the national average would not have risen as sharply and would be under $2.40 per gallon,” DeHaan added. “With some breathing room in those states and prices starting to drop, its no surprise that the national average is now moving lower. And while the West Coast may have seen the peak of the pump drama, it’s possible that such volatility could resurface in the upcoming weeks as the peak of refinery maintenance hits all across the country.”

According to GasBuddy statistics, California’s gas price increase in the last week was almost smack dab in the middle of the pack. Meanwhile, Utah, Idaho and Iowa led prices higher, with prices rising over 15 cents per gallon in those states. Great Lakes states bucked the upward trend, with Michigan’s prices falling over a dime in the last week. Also lower were Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

According to DeHaan, expect that the national average will continue to cool off in the week ahead, led lower by relief hitting pumps in the West.