Gasoline prices inched up for the July 4 holiday, but were nearly 46 cents less per gallon than a year ago, and the national annual average price is the lowest it's been since 2005 because fewer people are driving due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on gatherings.

Gas prices in Pennsylvania increased 0.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.43 per gallon Monday, which is 18.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, but 45.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to a GasBuddy survey of 5,269 gas stations in the state.

The national average as of June 29 was $2.17, the lowest since $2.20 in 2005, according to GasBuddy. Last year's national average was $2.76.

The resurgence of COVID-19 cases and scaled back reopening plans in many parts of the country kept demand for gasoline in check, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

“Americans reacted by staying closer to home,” De Haan said.

AAA East Central, which covers Pennsylvania, reported similar prices.

This week's average gas price in Western Pennsylvania of $2.47 per gallon is down minimally from last week, but is down 45 cents from the average of $2.92 from the week of July 8 last year, according to AAA. The average price in Butler County is $2.46 per gallon.

Most states in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast region saw minimal gas price fluctuation this week. Eight states saw no change at the pump, while others only experienced a 1 to 2 cent increase or decrease.

Pennsylvania, with an average price of $2.43 per gallon, and Washington, D.C., with an average price of $2.34 per gallon, rank among the top 10 most expensive states and territories in the U.S. Virginia ($1.98) is the only state in the region with an average price below $2 per gallon, AAA said.

Although surveys of motorists were not conducted, AAA believes the resurgence of COVID-19 resulted in less travel and less demand for gas, said Jim Garrity, AAA East Central public and legislative affairs manager.

“When we look at travel as a whole, for the summer we're looking at a 50 percent dip,” Garrity said.

He said AAA will continue monitoring post holiday prices this week to gauge demand.