WASHINGTON — While it was an increase, it must still seem somewhat like a victory.
Average at-the-pump diesel prices nationwide increased during the seven-day period ending Aug. 22, but only by 2.1 cents a gallon to $2.588, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) in Washington.
The increase was minor compared with the 16-cent jump last week to an average of to $2.567 a gallon.
Nevertheless, the new figure sets another record and is 71.4 cents a gallon more than one year ago.
California still is the most costly state with an average of $3.037, down a half cent from last week. California posted the only decline for the week ending Aug. 22.
The biggest increase was in the Rocky Mountain states where the price increased 6.4 cents a gallon to $2.679 followed by the Gulf Coast, where the price rose 3.1 cents for $2.512 a gallon.