PORTLAND, Maine — Gasoline prices climbed another six cents in the past week in Maine, but are expected to land at some of the lowest summertime prices in recent years, according to the price tracking website GasBuddy.
The survey site reported that Maine’s average price for a gallon of regular gasoline rose to $2.28 as of Sunday, compared with a national average that rose about eight cents to $2.22.
Those prices are a high for 2016, but in Maine the average still is 31 cents lower than one year ago. The national average is almost 40 cents lower than one year ago.
Patrick DeHaan, an analyst with GasBuddy, said in a news release that pump prices could continue to increase as the peak summer driving season approaches.
“While we may not see such a sharp rise this week, we aren’t out of the woods just yet,” DeHaan said. “Gasoline prices may continue inching up until Memorial Day — a major test if refiners are well-prepared for the summer driving season.”
DeHaan said global oil production has showed signs of slowing as low prices and the onset of summer boosts gasoline demand.
Maine’s average price per gallon last week was slightly higher than its neighbors New Hampshire, $2.17, and Vermont, $2.25.