SALT LAKE CITY, - Contrary to typical autumn pricing, gasoline prices are moving upward in the western states. Increases from 2 cents in Utah and Montana to a whopping 22 cents in Colorado confronted motorists this past month.
 
The average price in Utah is $2.64, which is 2 cents higher than a month ago and 25 cents higher than a year ago. Twenty three states have prices higher than Utah. On average, Utah's prices dropped slightly for two weeks following last month's report on October 13, only to start increasing after that time to today's average. Today's average price is $1.58 lower than the state's highest reported average, $4.22, hit on July 18, 2008.
 
Prices for gasoline usually are high in the west compared to the rest of the country in the summer months, but typically move lower in fall when demand decreases and supplies normally increase. This year demand is down and supplies are robust but the price of oil hovers around $80 per barrel pushing the price of gasoline upward. This high mark for oil is a result of traders protecting their investments against the lower value of the dollar by purchasing oil and other commodities. 
 
"The weak dollar and the report of the high unemployment rate last week seem to be the reason behind the surge in oil prices," reports Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. "But barring unexpected events, prices should not spike dramatically in the short term because the basic fundamentals of supply and demand will continue to moderate the effect that the dollar's weakness has on oil prices.  In addition, OPEC, whose ministers stated they believe a fair price for oil is around $75 a barrel, will soon increase production so that the almost record supply of oil will continue to grow."
 
All of the Utah cities surveyed reported increases in the cost of regular gasoline since last month's report with the exception of Vernal where the price dropped 2 cents to the current average, $2.64.  Moab reported the highest increase of 21 cents making the average price now $2.74.  Logan's price increased 6 cents to $2.62.  Ogden's average price is now $2.56, a 3 cent increase from October's report.  Provo's price jumped 2 cents to $2.60 a gallon.  Salt Lake City and St. George saw 1 cent increases.  The current average price in Salt Lake City is $2.59, in St. George the price is $2.73.
 
The national pricing trend since last month's report shows a steady increase in prices up to November 3 when the national average started to move downward to the current price of $2.66 per gallon. The current price is 18 cents higher than last month's report and 42 cents higher than a year ago, but $1.48 lower than the highest recorded national average, $4.11, hit on July 17, 2008. Alaska continues to have the highest average price in the country at $3.40. Even though California's price dropped 4 cents, to $2.98, it continues to have the highest average price in the lower 48 states. Missouri motorists enjoy the lowest state average price in the country at $2.48 a gallon.
 
The surrounding Intermountain States also report increases in their average gasoline prices. Idaho's motorists experienced a six cent increase from last month. The current average price in Idaho is now $2.68. Montana's price jumped 2 cents to $2.63. Wyoming's price increased 8 cents to $2.52. Colorado saw a whopping increase, 22 cents. The current price in Colorado is $2.59. New Mexico's price $2.67 is 18 cents higher than a month ago. Arizona's price increased 16 cents to $2.58. Nevada saw a 4 cent increase to its current average, $2.74.