Gasoline prices are likely to be higher in the coming weeks as a refinery maintenance effect and cuttingEspecially in California, dripping through the market before the annual change to more expensive summer combinations.
On Wednesday, the national average price for gasoline hovered about $ 3.16 per gallon, $ 0.04 higher than a month ago and $ 0.11 lower than exactly a year ago, According to AAA data.
“The national average has increased higher, mainly driven by sharp rises in gas prices on the west coast, where refinery maintenance and cuts have created a stronger impact in neighboring states, pushing prices' Higher in many communities, ”said Patrick de Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gasbuddy.
From 11:47:13 AM EST. Market open.
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Tea foresee The national average for gas will rise $ 0.25 to $ 0.60 between now and mid-Aprill, with the most expensive driving fuel remaining along the west coast.
Meanwhile, Tom Kloza, Head of World Energy Analysis Opis, anticipates “gasoline rises $ 0.20 to $ 0.33 per gallon more before reaching a peak somewhere between Easter and Cinco de Mayo.”
Refiners have been designed seasonally planned, putting pressure on the supply. In the meantime, and Feb 1 Fire At Martinez's Purple in northern California forced nearly all its units.
The cuts come in front of the annual switch to more expensive summer fuel combinations, with Western states making the change first.
California already has the most expensive gasoline in the US due to fees and taxes attached to green enterprises. Gasoline averages in the Gold State jumped $ 0.41 over the past month to $ 4.85 per gallon, about $ 0.20 higher than a year ago.
Washington province Also saw prices at the pump jump About $ 0.22 over the last month to $ 4.15 per gallon.
Meanwhile, a one -month Nevada increase of $ 0.23 has an average state hovering at $ 3.89.
Despite a spike at the pump in the short term, Kloza predicts that retail gas prices will move lower in the second half of the year.
“US gas price averages will be far below $ 3 per gallon in the last third of 2025 unless we see a hurricane having an impact on the US Gulf Coast,” Kloza said.
The Ministry of Energy Information predicts that gasoline will fall $ 0.11 per gallon this year, or 3%, and another 6% reduction is expected in 2026.
“The lowest US gasoline prices are mainly due to lower crude oil prices, as well as reducing gasoline consumption in 2026 due to increasing fuel economy throughout the fleet,” EIA January Report say.
On Wednesday, the future of oil jumped 1% to extend earnings from the previous session After representatives of The organization of petroleum exporting countries and its allies, including Russia, said the group was considering delaying its output rise for the fourth time.
