Gasoline prices in Modesto have risen 5.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.19/gallon on Jan. 18, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 201 stations in Modesto. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.2 cents per gallon versus last week to $2.38, according to GasBuddy.

Average gasoline prices on Jan. 18 in Modesto have ranged widely over the last five years: $3.15/gallon in 2020, $3.06 in 2019, $3.00 in 2018, $2.63 in 2017 and $2.45/gallon in 2016.

Including the change locally during the past week, prices as of Jan. 18 were 3.4 cents per gallon higher than a year ago and are 17.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 15.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 17.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Areas near Modesto and their current gas price climate include: Stockton - $3.27/gallon, up 3.3 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.23; Oakland - $3.43, up 3.4 cents from last week’s $3.39; and San Jose - $3.40, unchanged from last week’s $3.40/gallon.

“Gas prices have jumped to yet another multi-month high as crude oil price rise amidst perceived improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to pump prices up as demand shows renewed signs of recovery,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “For now, the upward trend in gas prices may slow from the sharp rise in the last week, but motorists shouldn’t expect much of a break from rising gas prices, which now stand less than twenty cents from their year-ago levels.”

For live fuel price averages, visit http://FuelInsights.GasBuddy.com.

GasBuddy is the technology company changing the way more than 75 million consumers find, purchase, and save money on gasoline. Founded in 2000, the original GasBuddy website was a pioneer in crowd-sourced information, leveraging technology, big data, and a passionate community that now connects more than 70 million users with real-time, accurate fuel pricing information as well as reliable reviews of gas station amenities and services. The app and website have the most accurate and real-time fuel prices at over 140,000 unique stations in the United States, Canada, and Australia and is the most comprehensive money-saving companion while on the road. GasBuddy is available on all mobile platforms. For more information, visit www.gasbuddy.com.