Gasoline prices in Modesto have fallen 6.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.99/gallon, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 201 stations in Modesto. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.0 cents per gallon versus last week to $2.31/gallon, according to GasBuddy.

Average gasoline prices on Feb. 18 in Modesto have ranged widely over the last five years: $3.10/gallon in 2018, $2.67 in 2017, $2.03 in 2016, $2.66 in 2015 and $3.51/gallon in 2014.

Including the change locally during the past week, prices as of Feb. 18 were 10.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago and are 6.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has increased 6.8 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 19.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Areas near Modesto and their current gas price climate include: Stockton - $3.06/gallon, down 1.4 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.07; Oakland - $3.28, down 1.1 cents per gallon from $3.29; and San Jose - $3.25, down 4.3 cents from last week’s $3.29/gallon.

“Gas prices have advanced to their highest level in nearly two months mainly following as oil prices move higher. Gasoline demand remains seasonally weak, but last week’s report from the Energy Information Administration showed refinery utilization plunging, meaning less gasoline is flowing out of refiners,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “But while gas prices are nearly guaranteed to be higher in May than today, it is looking more likely that the rise in prices this year may be more muted than we’ve seen in years past when prices launched 35 to 75 cents during the spring.”

For LIVE fuel price averages, visit http://FuelInsights.GasBuddy.com.