AAA projects an uptick in spring pricing related to market conditions, Ukraine targeting of Russian oil infrastructure
By BRIAN PORTER | The Rocky Mountain Voice
The trip to the grocery store or from the Western Slope into the mountains for a getaway could cost you a bit more than anticipated this spring, AAA is projecting in an April 1 report.
In Colorado, a gallon of regular gasoline was priced at an average of $3.07 on Monday, about the same as a week prior and 13 cents higher than a month ago, data on the AAA gas price monitor reads. Those with diesel vehicles presently are getting a little bit of a break, with the current average of $3.69 coming in at 9 cents below the month-ago average.
“Uncertainty of the impact of Ukraine’s targeting of Russia’s oil infrastructure likely spiked oil prices recently,” said Andrew Gross, a spokesperson for AAA. “But those concerns have abated somewhat for now, and gas prices are settling into a pattern similar to last year when the usual seasonal increase was slow and steady.”
The AAA report relies upon Energy Information Administration data, which finds gas demand dipped slightly last week. Lower demand would typically contribute to pushing pump prices lower or slowing increases, but rising oil prices have kept them elevated instead, the report reads.
The national average of $3.53 for a gallon of regular gasoline is 24 cents more than a month ago and 10 cents more than a year ago, the AAA gas price monitor details.
According to AAA, the lowest price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Colorado on Monday could be found in Broomfield at $2.94. The highest average price in the state is in Pitkin County, where AAA finds motorists are paying $4.82 per gallon.
In Weld County, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.99 on Monday, but a bit further east prices are higher: $3.16 in Morgan County, $3.22 in Logan County and a regional high of $3.47 in Phillips County.
While Arapahoe and Jefferson County averages are a tick below $3, motorists are paying an average of $3.06 in Elbert and Douglas Counties. In neighboring El Paso County, regular gasoline is priced at $2.97.
The lowest Western Slope pricing can be found in Mesa and Montrose Counties, where motorists can expect to pay $3.16.