Crude Oil Surge Drives Gas Prices Higher Nationwide

Crude oil prices have pushed back into the $100 per barrel range due to volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, causing gas prices to jump across the country. In Western Pennsylvania, drivers are paying an average of $4.54 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, a 23-cent increase from last week.

The national average price for a gallon of gas has also risen to $4.31, up 16 cents over the past week. This is despite the typical seasonality trend, where prices usually decline during periods of lower demand due to cooler temperatures and holidays.

Prices at the pump have returned to levels seen in early June, when they were already near record highs. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Beaver County is $4.58, according to AAA East Central's Gas Price Report.