How gas prices have changed in Louisiana in the last week

Gas prices are trending lower, and experts don't anticipate an increase any time soon. Slack demand at the pump and stable oil prices have kept any increases in check. The lower prices ahead of the Memorial Day weekend are typical.

"There are seven states with county gas averages at less than $3 a gallon," AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement Thursday. "This trend will likely accelerate as more gas outlets east of the Rockies drop their prices."

The Energy Information Administration released its forecast for summer gas prices and anticipates a $3.70 national average over the course of the season, implying prices slightly higher than today's average.

Other measures affecting gas prices are also working in Americans' favor. Refinery utilization is a measure that, when low, can push prices for customers upward. Today that figure sits relatively high heading into the summer months. Extreme weather or routine maintenance could take these offline and pull that number down. For now, utilization rates are highest in the Gulf Coast and Midwestern regions.

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Louisiana. Gas prices are as of May 17.

Louisiana by the numbers
- Gas current price: $3.14
- Week change: -$0.04 (-1.4%)
- Year change: +$0.06 (+1.9%)
- Historical expensive gas price: $4.56 (6/15/22)

- Diesel current price: $3.60
- Week change: -$0.04 (-1.2%)
- Year change: -$0.02 (-0.5%)
- Historical expensive diesel price: $5.37 (6/21/22)

Metros with most expensive gas in Louisiana
#1. New Orleans: $3.19
#2. Houma-Thibodaux: $3.18
#3. Baton Rouge: $3.16
#4. Lafayette: $3.16
#5. Hammond: $3.14
#6. Lake Charles: $3.13
#7. Alexandria: $3.09
#8. Shreveport-Bossier City: $3.07
#9. Monroe: $2.94

States with the most expensive gas
#1. California: $5.23
#2. Hawaii: $4.81
#3. Washington: $4.62

States with the least expensive gas
#1. Mississippi: $3.06
#2. Arkansas: $3.12
#3. Oklahoma: $3.13

This story features writing by Dom DiFurio and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.