(The Center Square) – Wisconsin motorists are paying more at the pump than a month ago but continue to pay less than the rest of the nation.
Figures from the Automobile Association of America show gas prices have climbed nearly 20 cents in the last month to an average of $3.03 a gallon, higher than the $2.84 paid a month ago.
Last year, prices in Wisconsin averaged $3.39 a gallon.
Nationally, prices at the pump are $3.16 a gallon, according to AAA.
The popular website Gas Buddy blames the price increase on the traditional switch from winter to summer gasoline and expects prices to continue climbing.
“This increase has nothing to do with politics or tariffs – which remain paused for now – but is instead the result of seasonality, and is something that happens almost every year,” Patrick De Hann, head of petroleum analysis for Gas Buddy, said. “For those in the northeastern U.S. who have enjoyed relatively low gas prices compared to the national average, the final step in the transition to summer gasoline is still a few weeks away. Once it occurs, they too will likely see prices rise. For areas that have already completed the switch, ongoing economic uncertainty will likely prevent further major increases – for now.”
The highest prices in Wisconsin are in the north-central and northwest parts of the state, where averages range between $3.12 and $3.20 per gallon.
Prices in the Superior metro area stand at $3.20 a gallon, while drivers in the Pierce-St. Croix County metro are paying $3.16.
The Appleton, Fond du Lac, Janesville-Beloit and Oshkosh areas are all showing prices less than $3 a gallon.
