gas and diesel prices in the U.S. now

The price of a gallon of gas continues to rise faster than diesel fuel. Compared to last week’s prices, the price of a gallon of gas was up a startling $0.109 this week in the Midwest region, to $4.010. Overall, the price of gas in the U.S. has not yet reached $4 a gallon, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

This Week in Gas Prices is a weekly series in which Motor Trend tracks the price of gas and diesel fuel. We’ll provide some regional details and even show how the price of fuel compares to prices paid as far back as 30 years ago.

Gas Price Average on 5/2: $3.963 per gallon

Americans are paying an average of $0.084 per gallon of gas this week compared to last week. The smallest increase in prices was in the West Coast, where gas costs $4.140 — higher than in any region the EIA tracks.

Price this week: $3.963
Price April 2010: $2.93
Price April 2006: $3.05
Price April 2001: $1.96
Price April 1996: $1.76
Price April 1991: $1.78
Price April 1986: $1.76
Price April 1981: $3.54
Price April 1976: $2.35

Above prices are adjusted for inflation.

Diesel Price Average on 5/2: $4.124

Diesel prices were up across the U.S., but not by much. New England saw the slimmest increase, at $0.009, but is still up by $1.093 compared to the same week last year.

Price this week: $4.124
Price April 2010: $3.14
Price April 2006: $3.03
Price April 2001: $1.80
Price April 1996: $1.82
Price April 1991: $1.78
Price April 1986: $1.83
Price April 1981: $3.02