Gas prices climbed last week

First published Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 in the Dundalk Eagle.

Gas prices surged last week, returning to prices resembling those in late August. Prices averaged $3.24 per gallon on Monday, a 23-cent increase from Sept. 23, according to Gasbuddy data.

Prices climbed in Maryland as well, up almost 18 cents. Across the U.S., gas prices remained mostly stable, increasing by about a cent.

The average price of gas here is now higher than the average national — and state — gas price. According to an analysis of Gasbuddy data, that’s not unusual — Baltimore gas prices were higher than the national average about half the days so far this year.

“Another week brings a mixed bag at the gas pump,” wrote Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy in a press release, “with gas prices declining in slightly more than half of U.S. states while others have seen increases due to some refinery snags and maintenance that have emerged.”

Later this fall, he added, the national average could fall below $3 per gallon of gas.