Big Island Gas Prices Continue to Rise

Gas prices continue to slightly increase on the Big Island, with regular fuel up by two cents in Hilo from last week, a steady trend that has been observed in recent weeks.

The average cost of regular fuel was $3.33 in Hilo Monday. Mid-grade and premium gasoline followed suit with similar trends in slight increases, costing $3.42 and $3.53, respectively.

Analysis of AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report shows an increase of two cents for regular fuel in the past day, while mid-grade and premium gas have not fluctuated since Sunday.

Regular fuel is up by two cents compared to one week ago. Mid-grade gas increased by four cents in the past week and premium increased by a nickel.

One month ago, regular fuel in Hilo cost $3.23, 10 cents less than the current average. In addition, mid-grade gas has increased by seven cents. Premium fuel has seen an increase of 12 cents, when compared to its average fuel price of $3.41 a month ago.

Despite the current rising trend, gas prices have decreased a significant amount in the past year. AAA reports that the average price of regular fuel at the same time in 2014 was $4.13, a difference of $1.20. Mid-grade and premium fuel prices have seen similar dips in the last year. Prices for those grades in 2014 were $4.19 and $4.34, 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 $4.26, while Honolulu diesel buyers are paying an average of $4.51.