Feeling the pain at the gas pump this year? Delawareans see highest gas price increase

Has it felt like filling up your tank in Delaware costs more than it did a few months ago? A new study says the First State has seen the largest increase in gas prices nationwide.

Delaware sees largest gas price increase in nation

Zutobi, a driver’s education platform, compiled the 2024 Global Gas Prices Report and determined information such as the states with the biggest and lowest increases in gas prices in 2024, how far you can travel for $50 in each state and which countries have seen the biggest and lowest increases in gas prices this year.

The average fuel price per gallon of gas was $3.60 in 2023. This year, the average has fallen to $3.43, which Zutobi attributes to reduced travel, more drivers choosing electric or hybrid vehicles and tighter consumer spending due to inflation. Despite the drop, these rates are much higher than the $1.53 gas average in 2004.

The Global Gas Prices Report brands Delaware as the state with the highest change in gas prices over the past year.

In 2023, Delaware’s price per gallon was $3.33. This year, it rose to $3.54, a 6.12% increase in the past year and a 125.35% increase since $1.57 per gallon you could find in 2004.

Following Delaware, Maryland has the second highest change in gas prices, with current rates at $3.61 per gallon, a 4.76% increase from the rate of $3.44 per gallon in 2023. Virginia ranks No. 3, with 2024 prices at $3.36 per gallon, a 0.36% increase from the $3.35 per gallon found in 2023.

Historical gas prices database: See the cost by region

Using the Ford F150 as the benchmark, the most popular vehicle in U.S. history, for determining the maximum distance a driver can travel on $50 worth of fuel, Zutobi found out how far drivers can travel in each state with that budget. A Ford F150 averages 25 miles per gallon.

Delaware came in at No. 37, with $50 offering 14.13 gallons of fuel and a travel distance of 353.31 miles.

Mississippi, which touts the lowest fuel prices in the country, can squeeze 17.12 gallons of fuel out of current prices with a travel distance of $428.83 miles. In California, the state with the most expensive gasoline prices, $50 will get drivers only 10.33 gallons, a travel distance of 258.32 miles.

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Overview of recent gas prices in Delaware

Delaware’s gas average on July 3 is $3.46 per gallon. On July 2, it was $3.47, compared with $3.44 a week ago, $3.48 a month prior and $3.39 a year ago, according to AAA.

Kent County leads the state with the highest retail gas prices at $3.48 per gallon, trailed by Sussex County at $3.47 and New Castle County at $3.45.

Despite Delaware’s title as the state with the largest increase in gas prices this year, the First State’s prices are well below the highest ever seen in the state, which was $4.99 on June 14, 2022, for regular, unleaded gas and $6.017 for diesel on May 18, 2022, according to AAA.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Feeling the pain at the gas pump this year? Delawareans see highest gas price increase