Gas prices going up, but still well below 5-year average

The cost of filling your tank is going up in the Myrtle Beach area, but it’s still well below the national average over the past five years.

Gas prices rose an average of 2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging out at $1.81 along the Grand Strand, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 197 gas outlets. That’s far below the national average, which held steady at $2.12 per gallon.

The price was 36.4 cents cheaper than the same price for a gallon in 2015. According to GasBuddy historical data, gas prices on Aug. 15 for the past five years have been: $2.17 in 2015; $3.20 in 2014; $3.19 in 2013; $3.39 in 2012 and $3.36 in 2011.

The lowest price for gas in the Myrtle Beach area, according to the website, is $1.70 at the Costco on Oak Forest Lane.

“Many communities across the country have witnessed some form of a gas price rebound in the last week,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst.

“As oil prices have continued to lift, gasoline prices may see additional slight increases in some parts of the country again this week, but overall, gasoline and diesel prices remain very low considering we're nearing the conclusion of the summer driving season. Barring a disruption to fuel supply as we enter the peak of hurricane season, gas prices nationally will spend more time below $2 per gallon this autumn.”

This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 11:41 PM with the headline "Gas prices going up, but still well below 5-year average."