GasBuddy Gas Prices Rise, Diesel Prices Drop

Average gas prices rose for the first time in ten weeks, while diesel prices continue to fall.  GasBuddy reported Monday the national average price of gasoline has moved higher, rising 1.5 cents over the last week to $1.75 per gallon.  The average price of diesel, meanwhile, fell 2.5 cents to $2.43 per gallon.

“A disconnect between low oil prices and rising gasoline prices has emerged at the hands of refineries that have slowed production,” said Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy.

Crude oil prices have rallied significantly in the last week as OPEC's production cut took effect May 1^st.  Data from the Energy Information Administration last week printed a gain of nine million barrels in U.S. oil inventories, 10% above the five-year average for this time of year.  Gasoline inventories, however, posted a drop of nearly four million barrels, signaling that refinery run cuts have fulfilled their purpose of curbing a glut of gasoline.

Local Pump Prices:

• $2.32 a gallon in the Tri-Cities
• $1.99 a gallon in Wenatchee
• $2.68 a gallon in Pullman
• $2.21 a gallon in Lewiston
• $1.99 a gallon in Moses Lake
• $2.27 a gallon in Pendleton
• $2.69 a gallon in Walla Walla
• $2.09 a gallon in Yakima