Utah gas prices increase 9 cents

The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has increased 9 cents in the past month, according to AAA Utah.

On Tuesday, the average price of a gallon in Utah was $2.70, down $1.50 from a year ago. Utah's gas price is the 12th-highest in the United States, said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokeswoman.

"This is the typical pricing position for Utah during the last weeks of the summer," she said.

The national average is $2.58 per a gallon, 6 cents lower than last month and $1.08 lower than a year ago.

Gasoline prices tend to increase during the summer months when driving increases as Americans take road trips, and prices tend to decrease in the winter.

Overall, gas prices are relatively low because of the recession. AAA analysts noted that gas prices have been consistent in recent weeks, as traders look for signs of economic recovery. Oil prices could have increased at the end of last week, just before the Labor Day travel holiday but did not because of higher-than-expected unemployment numbers.

"It will take more than one positive economic development to move prices appreciably upward," Fairclough said. "For that to occur, there needs to be a consistent stream of positive economic data and significant oil supplies. Until that happens, the seasonal reduction in demand should keep oil prices in check."

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