Delaware Drivers Might Have to Dig Deep into their Wallets as Gas Prices Increase
This article originally written by Digital Content Intern Yusra Asif. Asif, is a senior media communications major at the University of Delaware, working as the associate news editor at The Review and a broadcast news reporter at the Student Television Network at UD.
Delaware gas prices increased by seven cents in the last week. Local prices are nearly $1 higher than last year, when most of the country was in a COVID-19 induced lockdown.
Gas price increased to $2.72 compared to $2.65 a week ago. Last year, the price of gasoline was around $1.80.
Membership clubs continued to have the lowest prices, with the Sam’s Club in Dover offering gas at $2.52 a gallon and $2.54 at Costco and BJ’s clubs near Newark and New Castle.
Crude oil prices have stayed above $60 per barrel all week despite growing concern that surging coronavirus infection rates in Asia may derail expectations for a recovery in demand for crude. According to the Energy Information Administration’s weekly report, total domestic inventory of crude oil increased last week, maintaining a downward pressure on crude prices.
“Local drivers are noticing an increase in prices at the pump this week,” Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, told Delaware Business Now. “In comparison to one year ago when most of the country was on lockdown due to the pandemic, gas prices seem high but current prices are on par with what was seen in 2019.”