AAA reports gas prices in Delaware have fallen by 3 cents over the past week, even as the Easter travel period approaches.
The price Thursday was $3.27, 3 cents lower than a week ago and unchanged from the same period last year. Price leaders Royal Farms and Wawa lowered prices by a few cents a gallon in some areas this week.
Average gas prices in Delaware remained about a quarter lower than national pump prices.
Sussex County, which has seen an influx of Wawa Farms and Royal Farms stores with gas pumps, has the lowest prices, AAA reports. But this aggressive expansion has led to at least one case of backlash from residents.
While demand is sluggish, rising crude oil prices are putting upward pressure on pump prices. In the spring, refineries may also switch to more expensive summer blended fuels, aimed at lowering pollution levels during the hot and humid weather of July and August.
Delaware gas prices Thursday
| time frame | usually | Intermediate | premium | diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| current average | $3.271 | $3.799 | $4.095 | $4.042 |
| yesterday's average | $3.293 | $3.817 | $4.078 | $4.061 |
| Average 1 week ago | $3.303 | $3.817 | $4.116 | $4.048 |
| Average 1 month ago | $3.184 | $3.711 | $3.980 | $4.093 |
| Average 1 year ago | $3.276 | $3.711 | $3.977 | $3.985 |
As of Thursday, oil prices were up about $1 a barrel to $82.50.
BJ's and Costco in Delaware had the lowest prices, selling gasoline for $3.08 a gallon. Clubs typically charge an annual membership fee of $20 to $60. Gas prices are often 10 to 20 cents per gallon cheaper than at other stations, so you can recoup your money fairly quickly.
To check gas prices for your travel route, log on to AAA's Fuel Price Finder.
