Gas prices climb in the Mahoning Valley, still lower than last year
Mahoning Valley - Gas prices in the Mahoning Valley are climbing, but AAA East Central says prices are still lower than they were this time last year.
This week, gas prices rose to an average of $3.030 per gallon in Youngstown and $3.055 per gallon in Niles. The northeast Ohio average this week is $3.092 per gallon and the national average is $3.17.
Despite the increase, these prices are still lower than this time last year with northeast Ohio's average being $3.619.
AAA East Central attributes this week's increase to the rising price of crude oil as demand increases. Typically, this seasonal increase in gas prices starts sooner, but lower crude oil prices so far this year kept that from happening.
These increases also come at a time when drivers are expected to hit the road for Memorial Day travel. AAA East Central predicts 39.4 million Americans will travel for Memorial Day this year.
