Gasoline prices rise in South Carolina amid national fluctuations

(WCIV) — Average gasoline prices in South Carolina have increased by two cents per gallon over the past week, reaching an average of $2.76 per gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,028 stations across the state. This marks a four-cent increase from a month ago, though prices remain 2.5 cents lower than the same time last year.

The national average price of diesel has risen by 3.7 cents in the last week, now standing at $3.52 per gallon. Meanwhile, the national average gasoline price has decreased by 1.1 cents per gallon, averaging $3.02 per gallon. This is a slight increase of 0.9 cents from a month ago but 3.2 cents lower than a year ago, based on GasBuddy data from over 150,000 gas stations nationwide.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said, “It’s been a relatively quiet week for the national average price of gasoline, with little overall movement. However, colder weather has pushed diesel prices higher and could also impact gasoline prices if refiners face disruptions.”

De Haan noted that while gas prices have not shifted significantly yet, oil prices have reached their highest level since October. He attributed this to President Biden’s new sanctions on “dark vessels,” which have hindered countries like Iran from selling oil. “This could soon lead to more noticeable increases in gas prices,” De Haan said.

He added, “Seasonally weak demand may help soften the impact of any increases for now, but with refinery maintenance season just weeks away—when refiners typically reduce gasoline production—motorists should be prepared for the spring rally to kick off.”