A computing error led to a mistaken report over the weekend showing that gasoline prices had dropped three cents nationwide. They actually rose a third of a cent.
The Lundberg Survey's weekly report on average gasoline pump prices reported costs were down to $1.111 a gallon, based on a survey of 10,000 self-service and full-serve stations nationwide.They were actually higher at $1.147 a gallon.
Report publisher Trilby Lundberg said Monday that an error in calculating prices in New Jersey, where self-service is prohibited, caused the problem.
"We apologize deeply for this important error," she said.
Her analysis of the prices remained unchanged, however. She said oil refiners were getting good deals on crude oil and passing them on to wholesalers and retailers, who in turn were passing them on to motorists.
At this time of year demand would normally be pushing prices up, she said.
According to the survey, self-serve prices per gallon were: regular $1.088; mid-grade $1.190; premium $1.274. Full-serve prices were: regular $1.493; mid-grade $1.582; full-serve $1.656.