In Virginia, along with about half of the United States, gas prices are higher now than at this time last year.
AAA said the national average for a gallon of regular now stands at $3.69. We paid eight cents less both last week, and a year ago.
The statewide average, according to AAA, is $3.55 a gallon, up 11 cents from a week ago. This time last year a gallon of regular was $3.51.
AAA said that historically, gasoline prices in August have declined seven out of the previous ten years.
In the metro area, the current gas price sits at $3.56, up more than 25 cents from last month. This time last year a gallon of regular gas was $3.42, or 14 cents cheaper.
WDBJ reports that AAA Mid-Atlantic attributed the recent surge in gas prices as a possible result of recent positive economic news, and a “broader bullish sentiment for U.S. equities and commodities markets alike.”
The organization also said supply disruptions in the Midwest were a concern this week, after a main pipeline shut down in Wisconsin. The shutdown sent prices up in that state, as well as in nearby regions.
Analysts still expect prices to go back down sometime after Labor Day, barring any major natural disaster.
*reporting from WDBJ contributed to this report.
