Gas prices in the U.S. have reached their highest point in a couple years — including in Pennsylvania — according to data from the American Automobile Association.
Nationally, the average per-gallon price for regular-octane gas is about $3.06 today, up from about $2.86 last month and $2.61 a year ago, the AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report shows. The average today in Pennsylvania is $3.14 a gallon.
In the State College area, many stations today are selling gas for $3.19 a gallon, according to www.pennsylvaniagasprices.com. The reported prices in Harrisburg are closer to $3.11 a gallon, up from about $2.98 last month and $2.63 in December 2009, the Fuel Gauge Report notes. (The Fuel Gauge Report does not break out prior gas prices specifically for the State College area.)
A variety of factors may be to blame for the current price increases, according to published reports. One, in the Montgomery Advertiser, suggests that harsh winter weather and strong petroleum demand overseas may be having a substantial effect.
A New York Times blog post, meanwhile, indicates that prices are likely to ease up next month, only to rise again in the spring.
