Mahoning Valley - Despite the increase in crude oil prices, gas prices have dropped slightly.

The average gas price for Northeast Ohio is $3.02 per gallon for the week of September 20.

It is down eight cents from the previous week but is up from $2.163 per gallon from the same time last year.

Prices for gas normally fall around this time of year due to seasonal changes but has only fallen $0.01 nationwide.

Causes for elevated oil prices include oil production still shut down in the Gulf of Mexico from Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas and higher COVID cases spelling uncertainty for the economy.

According to AAA, the average gas prices in the area come in at $3.012 in Niles and $2.998 in Youngstown. Both are lower than the Northeast Ohio average.

The organization says the high crude oil prices will likely keep gasoline prices high during the fall months.