(Update 2-15-15, corrects prices for gas sold by Pit Stop on U.S. 11 in Picayune)
After falling to record lows in the past five years, gas prices are on the rise again.
A saturated market and slow demand forced prices to drop below $2 a gallon, making the cost of filling up more affordable.
But some motorists are concerned now that prices appear to be heading back to their previous levels as the season for price increases looms.
“I don’t know why they would shoot back up,” said Brenda Rawls.
She said the prices increasing again gives her cause for concern, especially for those on fixed incomes who have to find ways to cover not only the expense of fuel, food and other expenses such as pet care.
However some people are satisfied with the current prices.
Chris Pilcher said the current cost to fill his tank leaves more money in his pocket.
“I’ve been spending more on groceries,” Pilcher said.
The cheaper cost of gas also allows him to travel to Florida to see his children, and the savings also allows him to do more with them during those visits, he said.
Marcos Quinto is also comfortable with the price of gasoline, so long as it doesn’t surge further.
“Three dollars a gallon hurts your pocket,” Quinto said.
The current price for a gallon of gasoline around Picayune averages about $2. Murphys, Racetrak and Pure Country all offer a gallon for $1.99 for regular unleaded containing up to 10 percent ethanol.
The highest price for a gallon of regular unleaded with ethanol can be found at the Eagle, on U.S. 11, at $2.19.
Motorists who require diesel to run their vehicle will pay a bit more. A gallon of diesel averages about $2.87. At $2.90 a gallon, Exxon on Memorial Boulevard is asking the most for diesel, while Pure Country and Mickey’s No. 2 are charging $2.79.
Drivers who prefer to run gasoline without ethanol will pay a premium. Mickey’s No. 1 is asking $2.29 and Pure Country is asking $2.44. As of Sunday Pit Stop was asking $2.29 for a gallon of unleaded without ethanol.
According to gasbuddy.com the average price of a gallon of gas a month ago was $1.94, a contrast to last year’s average price of $3.11.
The current average price of a gallon of gas nationwide is $2.23, also a decrease from last year’s average of $3.32, the website states.