The Maui News

The average gas price in Kahului on Thursday was $5.59, two cents lower than last week, as gas prices in Hawaii fell for the third consecutive week but remained the highest in the country.

Hawaii’s average price was $5.39 for a gallon of unleaded gas, which is down three cents from last week but still well above the national average of $3.99, which is down 15 cents from a week ago in the lowest drop since March, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch.

Lihue led the state with an average price of $5.71, which is two cents lower than last week. Hilo’s average price was $5.40, seven cents lower than last week, while Honolulu’s average price was $5.28, four cents lower than last week.

Kahului’s average price of $5.59 was 18 cents lower than last month and $1.46 higher than a year ago.

“Drivers in Hawaii are now paying the highest gas prices in the county,” said Liane Sumida, AAA Hawaii general manager. “Even though we are still seeing the price drop, it has not been significant in comparison to other states where gas has dropped by 70 cents or more from their record levels. The price is based on many factors ranging from the price of crude oil, refining, distribution, marketing, taxes along with local supply and demand factors.”

According to AAA, Hawaii leads the county in average gas prices, and is the only state, along with California ($5.38), that is averaging more than $5 a gallon.