Isles top nation in price of gas

The average cost in Hawaii of $3.50 a gallon is 56 cents more than a year ago

Hawaii retained the dubious distinction of having the highest average gasoline price in the nation yesterday, reflecting a 2-cent rise in Hawaii from a month ago, compared with a 1-cent decline nationally.

According to AAA, the state's average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.50 yesterday. Diesel was selling at $3.91 a gallon on average.

In Honolulu the average price was $3.36 for regular, $3.56 for midgrade and $3.62 for premium. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.99.

Hawaii's average price for regular gasoline yesterday was 56 cents more than a year ago.

Of cities surveyed by AAA, Wailuku had the most expensive gas, with regular at $3.85 and premium $4.15 on average.

New York state ranked second highest in the nation with average gasoline prices at $3.27 for regular. In the survey, Tulsa, Okla., had the lowest average price for regular gas at $2.73.

Bloomberg News reported yesterday that crude oil prices fell on speculation that the slowing economic growth in the U.S. and a mild winter could reduce demand and swell the country's stockpiles. Crude oil fell 91 cents, to $89.80 a barrel, in after-hours electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.