WASHINGTON, May 5 (UPI) -- Higher crude oil prices and seasonal maintenance at U.S. refineries means gasoline prices have increased for 20 straight days, motor club AAA said.
AAA reports a national average retail price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline at $2.63 per gallon, a 3.5 percent increase from last week. Gas prices Tuesday are 10 percent, or 24 cents, more per gallon than they were a month ago and mark the 20th consecutive day for an increase in price at the pump.
Spring prices are typically elevated as refineries conduct seasonal maintenance and switch over to a summer blend of gasoline, which is more expensive to produce because of additional environmental safeguards.
"Unexpected refinery issues are also keeping upward pressure on the national average and consumers may see prices rise a bit higher over the next few weeks," the motor club said in a weekly brief.
California and Nevada both post state average prices above the $3 per gallon mark. South Carolina has the lowest state average in the nation with $2.34 per gallon. Despite the steady increase, AAA said the national average price for gasoline should stay below the $3 mark for the year.
The rise in gasoline prices is mirroring the increase in crude oil prices. AAA said that, although crude prices have recovered from January lows below the $50 per barrel mark, it's unclear how long prices will remain at their current level.
"Domestic oil production companies are keeping a watchful eye on the price and they could ramp up or resume production in order to capitalize on any upward movement," the motor club said.
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline on this date in 2014 was $3.67.
