Gas prices edge up, but still a bargain relatively

Gas prices edged up last week in Colorado Springs, but remain a bargain compared to much of the state and the nation.

The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded Monday in the Springs was $2.985, according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report. That’s up from $2.923 a week ago.

The average price Monday nationwide was $3.480; that’s up from $3.124 a year ago. By comparison, the average price in Colorado Springs is actually a few cents less than a year ago.

Average prices in the Colorado metro areas surveyed by AAA ranged Monday from a low of $2.974 in Grand Junction to a high of $3.546 in Vail.

“Colorado Springs has had some of the lowest prices in the state since last summer,” said Wave Dreher, a spokeswoman for AAA Colorado. Colorado, meanwhile, has enjoyed lower prices than most of the nation.

“Part of it is just that there are ample supplies coming into the state,” Dreher said.

The average Monday across Colorado was $3.042. Among the states, Hawaii reported the highest average price, at $4.156, followed by Alaska, $3.864,and  California, at $3.771. Wyoming had the lowest at $2.99.

Gas prices are expected to rise in coming months as the economy improves and as refineries crank up production of more expensive warm-weather gasoline blends. Analysts say prices could reach an average of $4 per gallon by the spring.

“Just enjoy it while we can,” Dreher said.
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The Associated Press contributed to this story.