Increase puts Ohio gas prices closer to $2 as year ends

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio drivers are seeing slightly higher prices at the pump as 2015 comes to an end.

The state average for a gallon of regular fuel was about $1.89 in today’s survey from auto club AAA, the Oil Price Information Service and WEX Inc. That’s up 8 cents from a week ago but down 16 cents compared with this time last year.

Ohio’s prices have been running below the national average for regular gas, which was $2 to start this week. A year ago, it was about $2.30.

The relatively low gas prices in recent weeks have been attributed decreases in crude oil prices and the price drop typical in winter months due to lower demand.