Average gasoline prices in Modesto have risen 8.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.54/gallon as of March 6, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 201 stations in Modesto. Prices in Modesto are 26.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 50.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 4.6 cents in the last week and stands at $4.34 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Modesto was priced at $3.99/gallon while the most expensive was $5.19, a difference of $1.20/gallon. The lowest price in the state was $3.91 while the highest was $6.76, a difference of $2.85/gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has risen 3.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.36/gallon on March 6. The national average is down 6.5 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 69.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices include: Stockton - $4.59/gallon, up 10.7 cents per gallon from last week’s $4.48; Oakland - $4.85, up 17.4 cents from $4.67/gallon; and San Jose - $4.83, up 18.2 cents per gallon from last week’s $4.65/gallon.

“The national average rose last week as the transition to summer gasoline has now started across the entire country. The higher cost of these various blends is being passed along to motorists, as we see every year ahead of the summer driving season,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Some regions are moving to the required summer gasoline in different steps than others, and the fragmentation of required blends absolutely plays a role in these price increases. Logistical challenges in making the transition during a time when refiners are also doing maintenance work can create hotspots and lead to noticeable jumps in prices during the spring.”

De Haan added, “While we may not see weekly increases, the overall trend will remain upward through much of the spring. By Memorial Day, most of the nation will be transitioned to their respective required blend of fuel, and gas prices could ease, but a $4 per gallon national average remains possible by then.”

GasBuddy is the authoritative voice for gas prices and the only source for station-level data. GasBuddy’s survey updates 288 times every day from the most diverse list of sources covering nearly 150,000 stations nationwide, the most comprehensive and up-to-date in the country.