Gas prices continue to rise in Ohio, jumping almost 15 cents a gallon in last week

CLEVELAND — If you feel like you've been paying more at the pump recently, you're not imagining things.

Gas prices are up throughout the country, with the national average currently sitting at $3.42 a gallon, according to AAA. The average in Ohio currently sits a bit lower at $3.30, but that's still almost 15 cents higher than the state's average only a week ago.

At this time last year, Ohio's average price stood at just $2.07 a gallon, but this was largely due to a decrease in driving brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, figures normally drop during the winter, but experts say an increase in demand buoyed by an easing in health restrictions is causing prices to peak.

VERIFY: Yes, demand is responsible for rising gas prices

In Greater Cleveland, the average sits roughly in line with the state at $3.31 a gallon, the same price as the Akron, Canton, and Mansfield areas. The highest average prices of $3.33 currently reside in Cincinnati, while Toledo sits at just $3.24.

Ohio is one of 20 states below the national average at the moment, with Iowa and Minnesota's identical price of $3.18 a gallon bringing up the rear. The most expensive gas prices can be found in California, where fuel is being sold at a whopping rate of $4.63 a gallon.

Related headlines:

• Why are gas prices rising when they usually drop this time of year?
• No, you shouldn’t fuel up your car with regular grade gas if it requires premium
• Gas experts say heating costs could jump more than 50% this winter