Gas prices take slight dip

Average retail gasoline prices in Nebraska have fallen 3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.39 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 1,150 gas outlets in Nebraska. This compares with the national average that has not moved in the last week to $2.42 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Nebraska during the past week, prices yesterday were $1.07 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 15.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 12.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands $1.10 per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“Gasoline trends are all over the place, depending on where in the country motorists are,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “While much of the country saw prices drift lower, two distinct regions saw the opposite. The Great Lakes saw prices spike as refinery issues plague the region, following in the steps of what happened at the pump in the West several weeks ago.

“Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin saw the largest moves – increases of more than a dime,” DeHaan added. “The Rockies region also saw increases, yet much milder than what was hitting motorists in the Great Lakes. California led declining states, falling double digits per gallon, as refinery issues have at least for the time being been dealt.”.

When pressed about what lies ahead, DeHaan said, “the coming week shows nothing guaranteed but uncertainty, as refiners begin finishing maintenance season, boosting production, and beginning to draw down on oil inventories that are setting records. This recipe will likely bring the lowest summer gasoline prices since 2010, but the short term outlook may vary based on region, with West Coast locales seeing falling prices, Rockies and Plains states will see slight increases or stability, with Gulf and East Coast regions seeing mild declines. Price trends in the Great Lakes will hinge on refinery issues being resolved.”