PORTLAND, Maine — Gas prices in Maine rose slightly in the past week, but federal energy officials project summertime prices will be at their lowest since 2004.
For the year, the head of the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Adam Sieminski, said last week the average household will save about $900 for 2016, compared with 2014.
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From April to September, the administration projected prices would average about $2.21, which is higher than its previous forecast but 42 cents lower than last summer.
In Maine, the price hit an average of $2.30 per gallon last week, a slight increase as the national price rose nearly 2 cents to $2.22. The state price is about 36 cents lower than a year ago, according to the price tracking site GasBuddy.
Will Speer, a petroleum analyst with GasBuddy, said in a news release that demand through the summer driving season, starting Memorial Day weekend, likely will remain high.
“Gasoline demand that has already been strong this year will undoubtedly see a huge seasonal increase in demand,” Speer said. “This paired with crude prices that continue to show signs of strength are going to keep further pressure on gas prices this summer.”
As of Sunday, Maine’s average was slightly higher than Vermont, at $2.27, and New Hampshire’s, at $2.17.