Nationwide, gas hits $3.72 a gallon

NEW YORK (AP) — The price of gasoline is continuing its steady climb. Drivers are paying the highest price ever for the end of February.

The national average now sits at $3.72 per gallon, up 30 cents from a month ago and 35 cents from the same time last year. Prices are highest in Hawaii, Alaska, California, New York and Connecticut.

Gas prices in the Mahoning Valley were as high as $3.77 for regular early this morning as some area gas stations.

Gasoline is following a similar rise in oil, which is used to make gasoline. Analysts say the national average could peak in late April as high as $4.25 per gallon as refineries shift to a more expensive blend of gasoline used in the summer.

Oil prices have jumped 10 percent this year. They fell slightly today, however, giving up 10 cents to $108.46 per barrel in New York.