By Joe Benton
ConsumerAffairs.com
July 18, 2006
Crude oil prices are down slightly from record highs but consumers are still paying for the oil price spike when they fill up.
Across the country, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline is now $2.98 a gallon, according to AAA, of Hawthorne, Florida.
The average price is up just 2 cents from Friday and that is less the than the 12 to 15 cent increase industry analysts predicted last week as turmoil and violence broke out in the Middle East.
One month ago, regular unleaded gasoline sold for an average of $2.87 a gallon. One year ago a gallon of regular gasoline cost $2.32.
Prices of midgrade and premium gasoline are up 2 cents as well. Midgrade is now selling for an average of $3.16 a gallon, and premium sells for an average of $3.27 a gallon.
Diesel fuel is just a penny under $3 at $2.99 a gallon.
Drivers in Needles, California are now paying the most for regular self serve gasoline at $3.79 a gallon.
Sumter, South Carolina motorists enjoy the lowest price in the land with regular gasoline selling for $2.60.
