Pittsburgh gas prices continue climb as $5 per gallon looms in some spots

Average gasoline prices in the Pittsburgh area rose more than 17 cents per gallon in the last week, with the most expensive just a penny shy of the $5 mark, according to price tracking service GasBuddy.

GasBuddy reported Pittsburgh’s average at $4.69 per gallon on Monday, up 17.4 cents in the past week. That price is 52.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and $1.52 more than a year ago.

Pittsburgh prices range from $4.32 up to $4.99, a difference of 67 cents per gallon, according to GasBuddy price reports.

AAA was reporting the statewide average at about $4.77. That’s about 14 cents more than a week ago, 57 cents more than a month ago and $1.61 more than a year ago.

Statewide, GasBuddy said prices range from $4.32 up to $5.67, a difference of $1.35 per gallon.

AAA reported the national average at about $4.60 per gallon. That’s about 11 cents more than a week ago, 48 cents more than a month ago, and $1.56 more than a year ago.

Decreasing domestic gasoline stocks and increasing demand, combined with volatile crude oil prices, will continue to keep upward pressure on pump prices, according to AAA.

“With more Americans planning to hit the road for Memorial Day this year compared to last, prices will be over $1.50 per gallon higher than last year,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “While the coast isn’t clear yet, and prices will be at their highest Memorial Day level ever, I’m hopeful that we could avoid a dreaded national average of $5 per gallon this year. Whether or not we’re able to depends on Americans cutting demand in the face of sky high prices.”

The annual switch to the more expensive summer blend of gasoline should be complete nationwide by early June, according to AAA. This usually adds 7 to 10 cents per gallon, depending on the market.

The average price in every state is now over $4 per gallon. Three states — Georgia, Kansas and Oklahoma — were the last to cross that mark, according to AAA.

The average price in five states — Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington — is over $5 per gallon, according to AAA. The average in California has exceeded $6, standing at $6.07 on Monday.