Hurricane Laura Causes Gas Price Increase

Gas prices jumped 5 cents to $2.23 as a result of Hurricane Laura, but the national average is expected to push cheaper in the week ahead, according to AAA.

“It’s typical to see increased demand and more expensive gas prices ahead of a storm, especially one that threatens rigs and refineries in the Gulf of Mexico region,” said Jeanette Casselano. “The latest industry reports indicate that facilities in Texas have already begun the restarting process, which means there is no major threat to gasoline stocks and gas prices should push cheaper.”

Today’s national average is 35 cents cheaper than a year ago, according to AAA. On the week, all but five states saw state gas price averages increase. Of those that saw jumps, nearly 20 state averages are 5 to 15 cents more expensive.

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes West Virginia (up 14 cents), Ohio (up 13 cents), Indiana (up 10 cents), North Carolina (up 9 cents), Pennsylvania (up 9 cents), Delaware (up 9 cents), Virginia (up 9 cents), Minnesota (up 8 cents), South Carolina (up 8 cents), and Tennessee (up 8 cents).

Meanwhile, the nation’s least expensive markets are Mississippi ($1.88), Louisiana ($1.89), Texas ($1.90), Arkansas ($1.92), Oklahoma ($1.92), Alabama ($1.93), Missouri ($1.94), Tennessee ($1.99), South Carolina ($2.00) and Kansas ($2.00).

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet