Average retail gasoline prices in Chattanooga rose above $2 a gallon last week for the first time since January, but local fuel prices were still 25 cents a gallon less than the U.S. average, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 170 gas outlets in Chattanooga.
The average price of regular gas in Chattanooga increased by 3.1 cents per gallon last week, rising to $2.02 per gallon. This compares with the national average that fell 0.3 cents per gallon last week to $2.27 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices today are up 52 cents a gallon from the same time a year ago, although prices are still $1.59 per gallon less than what they were two years ago at this time.
Nine local stations on Lee Highway, Shallowford Road and Hotzclaw are selling gas today at $1.91 per gallon - the cheapest price in the region, according to GasBuddy.com.
Although petroleum supplies remain abundant, oil analysts predict gas prices are likely to move higher in the next month as refineries switch to more expensive summer blends required in urban areas to limit air pollution.
"The ongoing saga of global oil production limitations becomes less important as refineries begin the early stages of maintenance and turnarounds to accommodate summer gasoline blends," said Dan McTeague, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst.