Average gas prices up 31 cents per gallon in one week in Metro Richmond amid global oil concerns

Metro Richmond motorists are seeing a noticeable jump in prices at the pump, with the average cost of an unleaded gallon of gas rising by 31 cents during the past week amid higher crude oil prices and seasonal shifts in gasoline production.

According to new data from AAA Mid-Atlantic, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the Richmond region reached $3.18 March 5 – 31 cents higher than it was seven days earlier and

The statewide average in Virginia March 5 was slightly lower, at $3.10 per gallon, still 28 cents per gallon higher than a week ago and seven cents higher than it was yesterday, according to AAA.

At this time last year, drivers in Metro Richmond and statewide were paying an average of $2.92 per gallon, AAA reporter.

The increases mirror a national trend; the national average rose nearly 27 cents in the past week to $3.25, bringing prices back to roughly where they were in early April 2025. Analysts have said that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed crude oil prices higher, contributing to the spike.

Seasonal factors are also contributing to higher prices. Gasoline costs often rise during the spring as demand increases and refineries transition to producing summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to manufacture.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, crude oil inventories increased by 3.5 million barrels last week, though the national total of 439.3 million barrels remains about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Throughout Virginia, prices vary by region, though most areas experienced significant increases over the past week.

Fredericksburg recorded one of the largest increases, jumping 42 cents in the past week to $3.27, while Harrisonburg rose 32 cents to $3.14. In Charlottesville, prices increased 22 cents to $3.09, and the Norfolk area average reached $3.10, up 25 cents.

Roanoke currently has the lowest average among major Virginia metro areas at $2.98 per gallon, though that figure still represents a 25-cent weekly increase.

Despite the recent surge, Virginia drivers are still paying less than motorists in many parts of the country. California leads the nation with an average price of $4.81 per gallon, followed by Washington at $4.44 and Hawaii at $4.43. Meanwhile, several states in the South and Midwest continue to see the lowest prices, including Oklahoma at $2.79 and Mississippi at $2.81.

Energy analysts noted that the last time the national average experienced a similar one-week jump was in March 2022, shortly after the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

AAA advises motorists looking to save money to compare prices using tools such as its Fuel Price Finder, which identifies the lowest prices nearby, and travel planning apps that help drivers locate cheaper fuel along their routes.

Experts believe drivers may continue to see fluctuations in gas prices in the coming weeks.