Average retail gasoline prices in Maine have risen 7.9 cents per gallon in the past week, to an average of $3.69 per gallon. This compares with the national average, which has increased 9.3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.60 per gallon, according to gasoline price website MaineGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Maine during the past week, prices were 10.2 cents per gallon lower than one year ago and are 25.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 19.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 6.5 cents per gallon lower than one year ago. 

“Watching the national average last week, one might have expected war broke out in the Middle East or a major hurricane shut down production, neither of which happened, yet gasoline prices spiked,” GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan said. “The scary thought is what may happen to gasoline prices should one of the two actually take place. The good news for motorists is that the end to the summer driving season and change to winter-spec fuel is in view, which will likely put downward pressure on gasoline prices.”