NE Ohio gas prices jump 16 cents

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Northeast Ohio gas prices jumped 16 cents this week to $3.546 per gallon. Prices around the country have increased significantly due to escalating oil prices, refinery issues and preparations for the switch-over to summer blends.

Today’s national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.53. This price is 17 cents more expensive than one week ago, 23 cents more than one month ago and a nickel more than the average price one year ago.

Though prices in every state have increased over the past week, the increase was most dramatic in the Midwest, California and Colorado. These regions have seen the most- dramatic price increases because of higher regional crude prices and production concerns as refineries prepare to make summer-blend gasoline.