By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – After dropping steadily from their post-Katrina highs last September, gasoline prices are once again inching up.
The average price of a gallon of gasoline in Western New York increased by a nickle in the past month. But at some stations, prices have jumped by ten cents or more. Triple A spokeswoman Diana Dibble says higher crude oil prices are to blame.
"Crude oil is now trading at $63 per barrel," Dibble said. "It held steady during November and December at the $60 mark. That slight increase is to blame for the hike at the pump."
The Triple A reported Monday that average price for a gallon of gasoline in Western New York has risen to $2.50, compared to the year ago figure of $1.96. Dibble said price increase at this time of year are unusual.
"Generally during January and February, we do not have a lot of upward pressure on gasoline prices," Dibble said. "We don't tend to see prices on the rise until we get into late February or early March. That's when the West Coast begins its seasonal switch to summer-blended fuels."
Dibble is making no predictions on where gasoline prices are headed. But the US Energy Department is forecasting that they will continue climbing over the next few months.