GasBuddy: South Carolina gas prices continue to increase along with national average

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) - South Carolina gas prices have rise 1.6 cents per gallon over the last week, according to GasBuddy.

The average in the Palmetto state, according to GasBuddy, is an average of $1.96 per gallon. This compares with the national average that has increased 0.6 cents per gallon.

The current national average is $2.24 per gallon, GasBuddy reports.

"The national average price for gasoline has seen little change in the last week in most areas, but this period remains the calm ahead of the storm, especially if China's trade deal pans out into a larger trade agreement with the U.S.," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "The transition to summer gasoline, a three month process, will begin in the weeks ahead, so the current period is still the calm before the storm. If a broad trade agreement with China does come to pass, that will enhance the normal rise of 35-75 cents per gallon that we see nationally from February's low prices to Memorial Day weekend's prices."