Gasoline prices jump 10 cents; now higher than during all of 2009

STAFF/WIRE REPORT

COLUMBUS — Prices at Ohio gas pumps have jumped 10 cents in the last week and are higher than they were during all of last year.

A survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express puts the current statewide average for regular-grade gasoline at $2.76, compared to last Monday’s average of $2.66.

The Mahoning Valley’s average price was $2.76, up 9 cents from a week earlier.

Gas prices are rising amid a rally in oil prices driven by factors including a weakening U.S. dollar and cold winter weather in parts of the U.S., Europe and Asia that has boosted demand for heating oil. The cost of crude oil has spiked 20 percent in the last month.

Last year at this time, Ohio motorists were paying $1.93 for regular gas, on average.