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8/30/11 (AEIN) Diesel and gasoline prices increased for the week in most parts of the United States, according to average price statistics released by the Energy Information Administration late Monday. Hurricane Irene, some positive economic news and reintensified fighting in Libya have helped to push the cost of fuel higher.
Average diesel prices went up to $3.82 per gallon, an increase of one cent for the week. New England reported the highest cost at nearly $3.98 per gallon. Prices have reached levels nearly this high in California and the Central Atlantic region. Diesel remained least expensive in the Gulf Coast area at $3.76/gallon.
The average cost for regular gasoline increased to almost $3.63, approximately four and a half cents more than the previous week. Other grades of gasoline also went up in price, with midgrade at nearly $3.75 and premium just over $3.87. The West Coast region reported the highest prices for regular, with an average of nearly $3.75.
Fuel prices remain higher than they were in years past; gasoline cost about $2.31 per gallon in 2005 and diesel $2.40. However, the costs have decreased in recent months; diesel prices had reached an average of $4.12/gallon in early May. Fuel costs may fall if more negative economic news appears or the war in Libya comes to an end.