BOSTON, MA (WSAU) — Gas prices in Wisconsin jumped another 4.5 cents per gallon last week as the Summer travel season draws closer.
The latest data shows the average price for a gallon of gas in Wisconsin sits at $2.84. That’s 11 cents higher than it was in April and over $1.15 higher than last year at this time, when prices plummeted as the pandemic set in.
But there’s also another factor that could impact the price this time around as the industry rides out the shutdown of the Colonial Gas Pipeline, which services areas from the southeast up the east coast. Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy released the following statement about the situation:
“While average gas prices jumped last week as the nation continues to see COVID-19 recovery, all eyes are now on the Colonial Pipeline and the fact a cyberattack has completely shut all lines, leading to what could become a major challenge for fuel delivery. The situation is growing more intense each day that passes without the pipeline restarting, and motorists are advised to show extreme restraint or exacerbate and prolong the challenges. If the pipeline returns to service in the next day or two, the challenges will be minimal, but if full restart doesn’t happen by then, we’re likely to see a slight rise in gas prices, but more importantly, challenges for motorists needing fuel in Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Virginia, Northern Florida and surrounding areas. I’m hopeful the situation will quickly improve as multiple levels of government are involved, this may become a nightmare should it continue just ahead of the start of the summer driving season. GasBuddy will continue to watch the situation and update as necessary.”
De Haan also noted on Sunday there is no current looming increase in gas prices despite the shutdown. He added that residents shouldn’t feel the need to go out and fill their tanks out of fear of prices spiking because that will only make the situation worse and prolong any recovery once the pipe is operating again.
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