Average retail gasoline prices in Modesto have risen 2.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.60/gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 201 gas outlets in Modesto. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.7 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.22/gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Modesto during the past week, prices Sunday were 44.5 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 1.2 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 10.4 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 70.5 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“Motorists were hit with rising gas prices in 33 of the nation’s 50 states, catching up with recent increases in crude oil prices, while the Midwest, stung from increases from the previous week, saw relief,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “While we’ll see lower gasoline prices return to much of the country in the weeks ahead, these types of isolated blips in gasoline prices do occasionally happen during times when crude oil prices are volatile. With recent Fed comments about raising interest rates propelling markets, don’t be surprised if we see occasional small gas price increases followed by decreases, leading to a lower gasoline prices in time for the holidays.”

For a complete listing of current averages and other fuel price data, visit http://media.gasbuddy.com.

Founded in 2000, GasBuddy.com developed as an initiative to provide consumers access to local, current gas prices. Through the GasBuddy.com website and the free GasBuddy mobile app, users can find and share gas prices with fellow drivers, saving big money at the pump.