Gas prices surge, with Pennsylvania among nation’s most expensive markets

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Pennsylvania rose about 14 cents this week, from $3.261 to $3.405.

The jump was slightly higher in the Lehigh Valley, where the average price went from $3.140 to $3.300, according to the American Automobile Association, or AAA.

Both increases also were larger than the national average, which saw a 10-cent hike to $3.26 per gallon.

The nation’s Top 10 most expensive gasoline markets as of Friday, April 4, were California ($4.94), Hawaii ($4.52), Washington ($4.35), Nevada ($4.00), Oregon ($3.99), Alaska ($3.58), Illinois ($3.52), Arizona ($3.42), Idaho ($3.38) and Pennsylvania ($3.40).

What’s driving the surge?

Several factors are driving the increase, according to AAA.

They include refinery maintenance and a summer-blend gasoline switch.

In other words, it’s the gas itself also driving up prices.

Summer gas has to do with the fuel’s Reid vapor pressure, or RVP, according to American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers.

In the wintertime, the pressure is higher because fuel needs to be able to evaporate easily. That means in colder temperatures, it will be easier for a vehicle to start.

But summer blend gas — sold from at least June 1 to Sept. 15 every year — must meet different performance and environmental specifications and has a lower RVP to prevent evaporation in the heat.

The summer blend or less volatile blend of gas also is more costly to make because it requires more intensive processing from refineries, according to the AFPM.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires refineries to have the summer blend in their systems by May 1.

All gas stations are required to have it no later than June 1.

What about tariffs?

The last time the national average reached $3.26 was back in September, consistent with seasonal shifts, AAA said in an update Thursday.

According to Reuters, the surge also is a “fresh jolt from the knock-on effects of the latest round of trade tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on goods entering the country.”

The report said the U.S. gas market would be impacted as exports of gas in the form of LNG, or liquid natural gas, would become a “bargaining chip” in trade maneuvers, affecting gas exporters, utilities, households and businesses.

Experts say natural gas is likely to factor into any scenario by nations hitting back at the U.S. for raising tariffs.

China was among those that had vowed to respond to the planned tariff hikes, and on Friday announced 34% tariffs on all American goods.

Experts say that move also means natural gas will be used as a means to inflict revenue damage on the United States without risking too much self-harm in the process.

But experts also believe a recent drop in oil prices and the exclusion of energy commodities from President Donald Trump's tariffs could cause gas prices to decrease.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy, said on X that gas prices should soon reverse and people feeling the pinch at the pump now should wait to fill up.