(WCIV) — Average gasoline prices in South Carolina have climbed 4.2 cents per gallon over the past week, reaching an average of $2.74 per gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 3,028 stations in the Palmetto State. Prices are slightly higher than a month ago by 0.6 cents per gallon but remain 8.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of gasoline has also seen an increase, rising 5.6 cents per gallon in the last week to an average of $3.03 per gallon, Gasbuddy reported. This marks a three cent increase from a month ago, though it is still 2.9 cents lower than the same time last year. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said, “Oil prices have surged to nearly $74 per barrel, the highest level in months, driven by optimism that China’s recent economic policy shifts could boost oil demand, resulting in one of the largest weekly climbs in U.S. gas prices in months.” De Haan added, “While the national average dipped below $3 per gallon for a few days in recent weeks, those days are likely behind us. GasBuddy’s 2025 Fuel Outlook, released last week, forecasts continued slight increases at the pump in the weeks ahead, before the larger seasonal spike begins in mid-to-late February and lasts through spring.” In South Carolina, the cheapest gas station was priced at $2.39 per gallon Sunday, while the most expensive was $3.54 per gallon, a difference of $1.15 per gallon. Nationally, the average price of diesel has increased by 1.5 cents in the last week, standing at $3.48 per gallon. Categories: News, State Tags: SC gas prices, South Carolina