MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii, March 12- Average retail gasoline prices in Hawaii have risen 7.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.42/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.75/g, according to gasoline price website HawaiiGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Hawaii during the past week, prices yesterday were 44.6 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 21.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 28.3 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 22.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“With a likely peak in gasoline prices still as much as two or more months away, the national average for a gallon of gasoline has already hit the bottom of the range that we projected back in January in our 2012 gasoline price forecast, which is quite concerning,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “While the recent pace of price increases has slowed somewhat, the spotlight will now shift to refining facilities as they start and finish maintenance- any unexpected problems arising from such may cause prices to resume a quick climb,” DeHaan said.

For Big Island gas prices and trends visit — www.hawaii247.com/gas