Better COVID picture affects gas prices

    Gasoline prices in Nebraska increased 9.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.31 early this week, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 1,150 stations in Nebraska.
    Despite the latest spike, average Nebraska prices were 20.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, but are 16.5 cents higher than a month ago.
    Nationally, average prices have increased 15.6 cents a gallon during the last month, but stand 17.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
    “Gas prices have jumped to yet another multi-month high as crude oil price rose amid a perceived improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to pump prices up as demand shows renewed signs of recovery,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
    DeHaan added rumors are swirling President-elect Biden plans to cancel approval of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would cut off reliable Canadian oil to the U.S.
    “Oil prices may see additional pressure in the coming days,” he said.
    “For now, the upward trend in gas prices may slow from the sharp rise in the last week, but motorists shouldn’t expect much of a break from rising gas prices, which now stand less than 20 cents from their year-ago levels,” he said.