Gas prices climb to new record high
Lundberg: Drivers paying 31.5 cents more than in December
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RISING GAS PRICES |
Other gas prices measured April 9 were: |
Chicago | $1.91 |
Seattle | $1.87 |
Hartford, Connecticut | $1.80 |
Detroit | $1.73 |
Albuquerque | $1.67 |
Atlanta | $1.65 |
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(CNN) -- Gas prices rose on average 2.5 cents a gallon in the past two weeks, with no near-term sign of relief, the publisher of a national survey on gas prices said Sunday.
The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline sold at self-service pumps was $1.79, according to the Lundberg Survey of more than 7,000 U.S. filling stations taken on April 9.
Trilby Lundberg, publisher of the Lundberg Survey, said the new record high comes from an upward trend fueled by higher crude oil prices globally, increased demand for gas caused by economic growth in the United States and increased refinery costs resulting from seasonal changes in refinery processes mandated by environmental rules.
U.S. motorists are paying an average 31.5 cents per gallon more since December, Lundberg said.
Barring an unexpected drop in crude oil prices, more increases are possible as the high-demand summer driving season approaches, Lundberg said.
As in the last survey, taken March 26, San Diego, California, remained the most expensive place to fill up a tank, with a gallon of self-serve regular now $2.22 -- 10 cents higher than two weeks earlier.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, remained the cheapest city for gas, at $1.59 cents a gallon -- a penny less than two weeks before.