Gas prices on St. Thomas are higher than New York or California and comparable to Hawaii, according to a fuel price comparison survey released by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Tuesday.
The nationwide comparison is designed to inform Virgin Islands residents on where the territory stands in regards to self-service gasoline prices throughout the United States. The gas data was collected from AAA’s latest Daily Fuel Gauge Report for eight states. Fuel types include regular, premium and diesel.
The DLCA’s latest territorywide gas survey was completed on Aug. 30. On St. Croix, the latest average price for self-service regular gas was $3.98, premium was $4.27 and diesel was $4.25. On St. Thomas, the average price for self-service regular was $4.58, premium was $4.86 and diesel was $4.88. At St. John’s one gas station, self-service regular cost $4.65, premium price was $4.93 and diesel was $4.93.
The current averages for fuel prices in the United States are $3.82 for regular, $4.11 for premium and $4.10 for diesel – all less than those on St. Croix, which are the lowest in the territory.
For comparison, AAA’s latest Daily Fuel Gauge Data listed prices for eight states:
– Alaska’s premium rate: $4.121; regular: $3.975; and diesel: $4.163.
– California’s premium rate: $4.357; regular: $4.164; and diesel: $4.511.
– Connecticut’s premium rate: $4.316; regular: $4.030; and diesel: $4.313.
– Washington, D.C.’s premium rate: $4.351; regular: $3.997; and diesel: $4.206.
– Hawaii’s premium rate: $4.509; regular: $4.334; and diesel: $4.863.
– Illinois’ premium rate: $4.471; regular: $4.125; and diesel: $4.091.
– New York’s premium rate: $4.302; regular: $4.007; and diesel: $4.292.
– Oregon’s premium rate: $4.249; regular: $4.023; and diesel: $4.392.
Citing a study by gasbuddy.com, the DLCA statement says the nationwide price of regular gas has steadily increased since July and has not yet experienced a decrease.
Within the territory, the wholesale price of premium grade gas from Hovensa’s rack rate increased for the week of Sept. 1, with regular rising 17 cents per gallon to $3.51 per gallon and premium increasing 10 cents per gallon to $3.80 per gallon, marking two months of steady increases. (See related links below.)
Prices do not include the territory’s fuel tax, which was recently doubled to 14 cents per gallon, with a portion set aside for new generating equipment for the V.I. Water and Power Authority. Fuel excise taxes were eliminated at the same time, for a net reduction in the cost of fuel arriving in the territory.
Hovensa’s rack rate remains below the all-time high price of $3.68 per gallon of regular and $3.97 for premium, set the week of April 9-15, even with the increased tax.
