VIRGINIA BEACH — The national average for a gallon of gas rose three cents to $3.54 from last week, according to AAA.
The slight nudge higher came despite Hurricane Beryl smacking into the coast of Texas, a record number of July 4 car travelers, and oil costs hovering above $80 per barrel, it noted.
“Beryl caused limited damage to Gulf Coast energy facilities,” said Ryan Adcock, AAA Tidewater spokesperson. “Despite the minimal increase in the national average, Virginians saw a larger jump at the pump. The July 4 holiday was the continuation of what is sure to be a very busy summer for road travel and gas prices could follow suit.”
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand dipped from 9.42 million barrels per day to 9.39 million last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks fell from 231.7 to 229.7 million barrels, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 10.3 million barrels daily. Tepid gasoline demand and waffling oil costs may lead to some short-term stability in pump prices, AAA said.
Today’s national average is $3.54, 10 cents more than a month ago and the same as a year ago.
Locally, the gas price average for the commonwealth increased to $3.47. Today’s price is nine cents higher than a week ago and 14 cents higher than a month ago. In Hampton Roads, prices increased ten cents to $3.46, 21 cents higher than last month and one cent higher than a year ago.
