South Carolina gas prices rise despite national average dropping: Gasbuddy

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(WCIV)– Average gas prices in South Carolina have risen 5.3 cents per gallon in the last week, with a statewide average of $3.27 per gallon Monday, according to Gasbuddy’s survey of 3,028 gas stations in the Palmetto State.

Prices in South Carolina are 6.2 cents per gallon higher than they were a month ago, and 13.7 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

The cheapest gas station in South Carolina had gas priced at $2.95 per gallon Sunday, while the most expensive station had gas at $3.89 per gallon, Gasbuddy said.

Nationally, the average price of gas fell by 1 cent per gallon in the last week, with an average of $3.62 per gallon.

The national average is up 2.7 cents per gallon from a month ago, and is 11.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to the report.

“We’ve seen the national average fade slightly again as oil prices have cooled and our spring peak appears to be more confidently behind us,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said. “While refinery utilization rates last week indicated that there is still some refinery maintenance work to be done, oil prices have helped put downward pressure on gasoline prices, with oil falling below $80 per barrel last week. In addition, a weaker than expected jobs report is adding to some concerns that gasoline demand could remain weak through the summer driving season, which is just a few weeks from beginning. With the seasonal factors behind us, looking ahead, we expect gasoline prices to continue cooling alongside diesel prices as we look forward to Memorial Day weekend.”