COLUMBUS, Ohio – Drivers can be forgiven for doing double-takes at the sight of gas prices this morning.
According to a daily survey from the AAA, Oil Price Information Service and Wex, Inc., the average price of a gallon of regular gas in Columbus jumped 7 cents yesterday to $3.77. The statewide average priced is 12 cents higher than a week ago.
Analysts say prices in certain areas can be expected to rise as refineries often shut down at this time of year for scheduled maintenance. Refiners are required to start producing summer-blend gasoline by May 1.
The price at the pump has also been elevated by high crude prices due to tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Vice President Joe Biden went to Kiev earlier this week warning of new sanctions, which President Obama says are “teed up.”
As a result, Oil is trading above $104 a barrel.