The national trend of increasing gas prices is proof that the pain at the pump is not slowing down for Ohio motorists.

This week the price for a gallon of gas skyrocketed to its highest national average since 2014. American's are now spending an average of $3.44 per gallon. 

However, that national average is above the price that residents in Northeast Ohio are taking out of their pockets every time they pull up to refill their vehicles. The region has an average price of $3.275 per gallon.

But prices are a touch lower in Youngstown with an average gallon costing $3.243.

According to AAA, motorists can blame mother nature and geopolitical tensions for the trend in high rates.

The non-profit organization said that winter weather in the U.S increased the demand for heating oil. Meanwhile, the concern that Russia will react to potential western sanctions by withholding crude oil from the already tight global market puts heavy upward pressure on prices. 

Gas was last this expensive for Americans in 2014.

One gallon in Northeast Ohio had an average cost of $2.423 during this same week in 2021.