LAYTON -- Utah gas prices are not only on the rise, but they are above the national average too.
According to the American Automobile Association, which tracks gas prices for the state, the average prices of regular unleaded gasoline in Utah have increased by 5 cents in the last week, jumping from $2.73 to $2.78.
Utah's average is 98 cents higher than it was during the same time last year.
"We had a big increase last month too," said AAA spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough. "We've kind of been trending up recently"
The state's prices are also among the highest in the nation. In February, Utah's prices were the 10th highest in the country, and as of March 9, the average price was ranked 17th highest.
Fairclough said Utah gas prices are typically above the national average in the summer and below it in the winter.
As refineries switch over to summer-blended fuels and as weather improves, investors count on increased vehicle travel, causing oil prices to rise higher over the spring and summer months, Fairclough said.
"Prices get higher as the weather starts warming up," she said. "That's just what happens."
Fairclough said while prices will continue to rise over the next few months, the poor economy should keep prices from rising too high.
"The economy hasn't fully recovered yet, so that's keeping prices in check," she said. "It's important to remember supplies remain in good shape while demand remains low, so prices will get higher, but we won't see them skyrocket like we did a few years ago."
The highest recorded average gas price in Utah occurred July 18, 2008, when the average price of a gallon across the state was $4.22. According to AAA, the current national average price for regular, unleaded gasoline is $2.76, 12 cents higher than last month's report. Hawaii, at $3.44, has the highest average price in the country. At $3.08, California has the highest price in the lower 48 states. Missouri has the lowest price in the country at $2.58.
Updated 8:49 p.m.
Report: Utah gas prices rise 4 cents
The Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY -- A new report says gas prices in Utah are 4 cents higher than the previous month.
AAA Utah says Utah's average gas price is up 4 cents to $2.78 a gallon since last month's survey on Feb. 9.
Utah's average is 98 cents higher than it was at the same time last year. Last month, Utah's prices were the 10th highest in the country. Now, Utah's price is the 17th highest in the country.
According to AAA, the current national average price for regular, unleaded gasoline is $2.76. That is 12 cents higher than last month's report and 81 cents higher than a year ago.
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