Trend Analysis: Americans are paying a pretty penny to hit the road this summer. The monthly national gas price average has increased from $3.00 in May to $3.07 in June to $3.15 in July. The beginning of August will likely be as expensive as July, especially as crude oil prices remain over $70 per barrel. An increase in global crude production is expected this month. However, even with the additional supply, global demand could outpace global supply and keep prices high. On the week, the national average increased by two cents to $3.17 with a majority of states seeing jumps between two to ten cents. Todayâs average is a nickel more than a month ago and 99 cents more than a year ago.