Average retail gasoline prices in Chattanooga have risen 1.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.12 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 170 gas outlets in Chattanooga. This compares with the national average that has increased 5.0 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.40 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.
Including the change in gas prices in Chattanooga during the past week, prices on Sunday were 47.4 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 7.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 12.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 32.6 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.
"The rate of increase in the national average has accelerated over the last week, and the worst is likely yet to come," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "Oil prices continue to move higher as refineries continue their maintenance season, leading to a double whammy at the gas station. In addition, in another month we'll also start seeing refineries producing more expensive, cleaner burning summer gasoline, and that will likely keep upward pressure on retail gasoline prices. Just a handful of stations across the nation are seeing a price under $3/gallon, and a few weeks from today, motorists along the West Coast with perhaps a few other states will be wishing for those current $3 prices."