Overview
- The national average for regular gasoline reached $2.875 on Feb. 2, a slight increase to open the month, according to AAA.
- AAA analysts attribute the move to winter storms that disrupted some crude production and refinery activity and prompted pre-storm fill-ups.
- Prices remain well below year-ago levels, with the national average at $3.098 at this time last year, AAA data show.
- Regional disparities persist, with Oklahoma averaging $2.369 per gallon and Hawaii at $4.393, the highest state average in the country.
- Western markets are expected to face seasonal increases as California refineries shift to summer-blend fuel, with GasBuddy estimating a 25 to 65 cent rise into spring.