Gasoline prices rise in region, state and US

National average is now higher than 12 months earlier for the first time since the economy soured last year.

Average gasoline prices rose again last week in New York state and across the U.S., and they were higher throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley, as well, according to GasBuddy.com.

And for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started battering the economy last spring, the national average price of gasoline is higher than it was 12 months prior.

Local averages Monday morning, according to GasBuddy, were $2.51 in Ulster County, up 2 cents from a week earlier; $2.57 in Dutchess County, up a nickel; $2.54 in Greene County, up 6 cents; and also up 6 cents to $2.54 in Columbia County.

The New York state average Monday was $2.54 per gallon, up 3.2 cents from a week earlier, while the national average was $2.45, up 3.7 cents, GasBuddy reported.

“At the foundation of the rise is the fact that the coronavirus situation continues to improve, pushing global oil demand higher as production continues to lag, pushing U.S. gas prices higher,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “Until OPEC intercedes and raises oil production in the months ahead, motorists should continue to expect rising gas prices ....

“The news won’t likely improve in the months ahead, with continued increases in gas prices as OPEC maintains a tight balance between reduced demand and supply, keeping prices on the higher side,” De Haan said.

New York state’s average gasoline price Monday was 15 cents higher than a month earlier but still 11.5 cents lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy. The national average was 13.2 cents higher than a month ago and, notably, 1.6 cents higher than a year ago.

Over the past five years, the average gasoline prices on Feb. 8 in New York state have been: $2.66 per gallon in 2020; $2.50 in 2019, $2.77 in 2018, $2.48 in 2017 and $2.01 in 2016.