Gas prices in West Hawaii continued on an upward trend this week, an analysis of AAA and GasBuddy.com data shows.
Gas prices in West Hawaii continued on an upward trend this week, an analysis of AAA and GasBuddy.com data shows.
The price per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in West Hawaii — excluding the Waikoloa resort area — averaged $3.53 between Monday (May 4) and Friday (May 8), according to a week’s worth of GasBuddy.com data from the Kailua-Kona, Waimea, Kealakekua and Waikoloa areas. That’s up eight cents from the week prior.
Including the Waikoloa resort area, where prices are higher, motorists this week spent on average $3.58, also up eight cents from the week before, according to GasBuddy.com data.
At Kailua-Kona gas stations, motorists spent an average $3.43 per gallon, up seven cents from last week and 31 cents from a low of $3.27 in mid-February. At the Kailua-Kona Costco, where membership is required, a gallon of gas increased to $3.13.
Drivers fueling up in Waimea paid an average of $3.61 per gallon while the same gallon of gas averaged $3.62 in Waikoloa Village. Filling up in the resort area of Waikoloa resort cost drivers an average of $3.76 per gallon this week.
In Kealakekua, motorists spent $3.46 per gallon this week, which was up just a 11 cents from last week.
Hilo drivers spent $3.15 per gallon, up seven cents from last week, according to GasBuddy.com data. AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report put the average price of gas at $3.17 per gallon this week. AAA does not track gas prices for other areas on the Big Island.
The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel was $3.21, up from $3.12 last week, according to the AAA data. One year ago, Hawaii residents were spending $4.38 per gallon.
In Honolulu, a gallon of gas during the week averaged $3.12 per gallon while the Wailuku area of Maui paid $3.33, according to AAA.
Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline this week was $2.64. California residents this week continued to pay the most for gas at an average of $3.71 per gallon. South Carolina drivers paid the least this week at $2.29 per gallon.
The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline has moved higher for 19 consecutive days for a total of 23 cents per gallon, because of higher crude oil costs and a number of refinery issues, according to AAA. Although the national average is increasing, consumers are seeing significant year-over-year-savings with Friday’s average price of $2.66 being $1.06 per gallon less than a year ago.
However, AAA says rising crude prices and increased seasonal demand are expected to keep upward pressure on the price at the pump in the short-term.