WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Though some U.S. retail service stations are selling gasoline for less than $3, drivers may expect some pain at the pump for Thanksgiving, AAA said Monday.
AAA said the national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the United States was $3.28 per gallon, an increase of 7 cents compared with the previous week. AAA spokesman Michael Green told United Press International the increase in price was because of lingering refinery issues.
"These higher prices are coming at exactly the wrong time for the nearly 39 million Americans that plan to travel by car for the Thanksgiving holiday," he said.
Green said seasonal maintenance at oil refineries is taking longer than expected to conclude. The price increase is likely temporary, he said, though most markets won't see any relief until after the Thanksgiving holiday.
AAA said Missouri had the cheapest state average price Monday with $2.99 per gallon. One in 10 U.S. stations is selling gasoline for less than $3 per gallon.
"Despite the recent increase in prices, gasoline remains relatively inexpensive compared to recent years," Green said. "Today's national average is 15 cents per gallon less than a year ago, and many drivers should pay the cheapest prices since 2010 for the holiday."
