VIRGINIA BEACH — As spring approaches, refineries are beginning their transition to summer blend fuel, which often results in higher prices this time of year, according to AAA, and this week, the national gas price rose by a few cents, bringing the national average to $3.16 per gallon.
Routine seasonal maintenance and an offline refinery in Northern California are putting additional strain on supply, AAA said, pushing gas prices up. This means consumers may see higher prices at the pump as warmer months approach.
Meanwhile, the national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station remains the same at 34 cents.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.32 million barrels per day last week to 8.57 million. Total domestic gasoline supply dropped from 251.1 million barrels to 248.1 million, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.3 million barrels per day.
Thursday’s national average for a gallon of gas was $3.16, about 10 cents more than a month ago and 6 cents less than a year ago.
Locally, the gas price average for the Commonwealth Thursday was $3.04 — two cents lower than a week ago and nine cents higher than a month ago. In Hampton Roads, prices decreased three cents to $2.93, which is eight cents higher than a month ago and 19 cents lower than a year ago.
