Cost of gas rises for first time in six months

updated 4:21 p.m. ET Jan. 11, 2009

CAMARILLO, Calif. - The average national price of gasoline rose nearly 12 cents in the past three weeks, marking the first price hike after six months of steady decreases, according to a national survey released Sunday.

The average price of regular gasoline Friday was $1.78 a gallon, oil industry analyst Trilby Lundberg said. The price of mid-grade was $1.91 a gallon and the price of premium was $2.02 a gallon.

The increase was the first since July 11, when the average national price peaked at $4.11 a gallon.

Of cities surveyed, the nation's lowest price was $1.34 in Billings, Mont. The highest price was $2.32 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Also in msnbc.com business Biz Quiz: A possible winner in the Madoff mess? ConsumerMan: Door-to-door magazine scam New rules would stop short of CEO pay caps Answer Desk: Tracking the trickle of stimulus cash   Video: What Madoff's prision days will be like

MORE FROM OIL & ENERGY

Oil & Energy Section Front

Rogue broker blamed for oil spike Iraqi oil licensing round runs into trouble Oil at month-low amid U.S., Europe job losses Average cost of gas stays flat last two weeks Up for bid at Iraq oil auction: Uncertainty Chinese make largest overseas acquisition ever Gas price rally may be running out of fuel Iran’s unrest won’t lead to higher oil prices The reality of the perception fueling oil’s surge Future for SUVs remains murky Oil & Energy Section Front   Add Oil & Energy headlines to your news reader: