Delaware gas prices have risen nearly a quarter a gallon during the past week, AAA reported.
Since Monday, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by seven cents to $3.37. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, demand rose from 7.56 to 8.05 million barrels a day last week.
In what has become a regular pattern, Delaware gasoline prices have risen faster than the national average. As of Saturday, the price for regular in Delaware was four cents above the national figure after weeks of being below the U.S. figure. Between Friday and Saturday, the average price at the pump rose seven cents a gallon
For the driver of a large pickup truck, the weekly price spike adds $6 or more to the cost of a fill-up.
Despite messy West Coast weather, a mild winter elsewhere in the nation may have led to more driving.
Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 3.5 million barrels to 230.3 million bbl. Rising gas demand has contributed to higher pump prices. Prices could continue to increase over the weekend.
Crude oil was trading at nearly $82 a barrel after being in the 70s.
| Timeframe | Regular | Mid-Grade | Premium | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Avg. | $3.444 | $3.843 | $4.098 | $4.381 |
| Yesterday Avg. | $3.369 | $3.757 | $4.004 | $4.314 |
| Week Ago Avg. | $3.197 | $3.650 | $3.922 | $4.210 |
| Month Ago Avg. | $3.001 | $3.471 | $3.740 | $4.832 |
| Year Ago Avg. | $3.221 | $3.616 | $3.877 | $3.662 |
Crude prices continue to be affected by concerns that a recession could occur this year. If economic growth stalls or reverses course, oil demand will likely decline, and prices will follow, AAA reported.