Analyst: Expect upward trend in gas prices this spring

The national average price of gasoline has risen 3.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.36 per gallon Monday. The national average is down 6.5 cents per gallon from a month ago and 69.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy.com.

“The national average rose last week as the transition to summer gasoline has now started across the entire country. The higher cost of these various blends is being passed along to motorists, as we see every year ahead of the summer driving season,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Some regions are moving to the required summer gasoline in different steps than others, and the fragmentation of required blends absolutely plays a role in these price increases. Logistical challenges in making the transition during a time when refiners are also doing maintenance work can create hotspots and lead to noticeable jumps in prices during the spring. While we may not see weekly increases, the overall trend will remain upward through much of the spring. By Memorial Day, most of the nation will be transitioned to their respective required blend of fuel, and gas prices could ease, but a $4 per gallon national average remains possible by then.”

Benchmark U.S. crude oil for April delivery rose 78 cents to $80.46 a barrel Monday. Brent crude for May delivery rose 35 cents to $86.18 a barrel.

Wholesale gasoline for April delivery rose 5 cents to $2.80 a gallon.

Here were the average prices per gallon in Northeast Arkansas counties on Monday: Greene, $2.81; Randolph, $2.89; Craighead, $2.90; Poinsett, $2.93; Cross, $2.94; Clay and Crittenden, $3.01; Jackson, $3.03; Lawrence and Mississippi, $3.04.