Gas prices have taken an unexpected leap, rising 6 cents in Virginia since last week.
The average price of gas in Hampton Roads is now $2.65, five cents more than last month and 39 cents more than last year, according to a news release from AAA Tidewater.
Hampton Roads’ gas prices are still 3 cents less than the state average, which is $2.68.
“The September switch-over to winter-blend gasoline ushered in cheaper gas prices compared to the summer, but that drop was short lived,” said Georjeane Blumling, AAA Tidewater spokeswoman. “Crude oil accounts for half of the retail pump price and crude is selling at some of the highest price points in four years. That means fall and year-end prices are going to be unseasonably expensive.”
AAA said crude oil is priced higher “amid concerns of global crude supply and geopolitical tensions, including pending sanctions with Iran and Venezuela’s unstable economy.”
The 6-cent jump statewide puts gas prices at the highest they have been since 2014 when gas was nearly $3 per gallon, AAA said.
Nationally, gas prices are at $2.91 on average. Virginia has the sixth-lowest gas prices in the nation.
