Natrona County gas prices fell 2 cents over the last week while national prices experienced their first increase since May. AAA on Monday reported the local average at $3.61 per gallon, while the Wyoming state average rose 2 cents to $3.86 per gallon.

National Gas Prices Jump

GasBuddy reported that the national average jumped 10.3 cents to $3.82 per gallon, ending a streak of eight straight weekly declines. AAA reported a similar hike of 8 cents, bringing its average to $3.87 per gallon.

The national average is down 21.2 cents from a month ago and is 71 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel rose 9.6 cents in the last week and stands at $4.854 per gallon.

Casper drivers could find the cheapest local fuel at Sam’s Club, at $3.44 per gallon Monday. Loaf ‘N Jug offered the next lowest price at $3.48, according to GasBuddy reports.

Wyoming Gas Prices

Johnson County returned to offering the lowest average fuel price in Wyoming at $3.53 per gallon, up 8 cents. Sweetwater County followed Natrona County with an average of $3.64 per gallon, up 6 cents, according to AAA.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said the market shift followed a geopolitical disruption. “The turnaround comes as oil prices have surged following the collapse of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran and the start of new attacks,” he said.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.