Fuel Prices Down from 2014, but Steadily Increasing

Big Island gas prices continue to rise steadily as the official start to summer begins. Regular fuel is up by four cents from last week and is more than 10 cents higher than it was a month ago.

The average cost of regular fuel was $3.31 in Hilo Monday, followed by mid-grade and premium at $3.38 and $3.48, respectively.

According to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report, the average cost of regular fuel is up by one cent from Sunday, while mid-grade and premium gas have remained the same in the past day.

Compared to one week ago, regular fuel is up by four cents, while mid-grade and premium gas have only increased by a penny.

One-month ago, regular fuel in Hilo cost $3.20, 11 cents less that the current average. Mid-grade gas has increased by six cents in the past month, while premium fuel has seen a five cent increase.

Although on a current rising trend, gas prices have significantly decreased in the past year. AAA reports that the average price of regular fuel at the same time in 2014 was $4.11, nearly a dollar and a quarter more that today’s average. Mid-grade and premium fuel prices have seen similar dips in the last year. Prices for the grades in 2014 were $4.18 and $4.30, respectively.

In Honolulu, the average gas price is one cent less than in Hilo. Oahu residents are seeing averages in the $3.30 range for regular fuel.

Diesel prices in Hilo are an average of $4.25, while Honolulu diesel buyers are paying an average of $4.52.