Average retail gasoline prices in Modesto have risen 3.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.63/gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 201 gas outlets in Modesto. This compares with the national average that has fallen 0.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.21/gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Modesto during the past week, prices Sunday were 85.5 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 4.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 16.8 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 45.2 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago. According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on May 9 in Modesto have ranged widely over the last five years: $3.48/gallon in 2015, $4.09 in 2014, $3.84 in 2013, $4.12 in 2012 and $4.17/gallon in 2011.

“While it’s rare in May to see the national average price of gasoline nearly two cents lower from the previous week, we’ve seen that retail gasoline has consistently matched West Texas crude oil’s increases and subsequent plateaus since February,” said Gregg Laskoski, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. “In 2015 we saw the national average peak in June and the year before it peaked in April, so while the current plateau may seem encouraging for motorists, we still expect rising consumer demand to elevate gasoline prices as we approach the beginning of the summer driving season.”

Areas nearby Modesto and their current gas price climate include: Stockton - $2.68/gallon, up 2.5 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.65; Oakland - $2.81, up 1.8 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.79; and San Jose - $2.83/gallon, up 2.0 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.81.

GasBuddy is the premiere source for real-time local gas prices. Founded in 2000, GasBuddy.com developed as an initiative to provide consumers access to local, current gas prices.