Average retail gasoline prices in Modesto have fallen 4.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.44/gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 201 gas outlets in Modesto. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.75/gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Modesto during the past week, prices Monday were 56.4 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 29.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 21.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 91.4 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“As the summer driving season has begun, gasoline prices have risen slightly as demand rises and parts of the country have seen supply and refinery disruptions,” said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel, however. We’re expecting over the next two weeks trends will shift and relief will start flowing to pumps as issues fade into the background. Overall, this summer will be the cheapest at the pump across much of the U.S. since 2009 with prices likely remaining well below year ago levels. I forecast that the national average will not breach $3 per gallon this summer.”

GasBuddy is the premiere source for real-time local gas prices. Founded in 2000, GasBuddy.com developed as an initiative to provide consumers access to local, current gas prices. Through the GasBuddy.com website and the free GasBuddy mobile app, users can find and share gas prices with fellow drivers, saving big money at the pump.