National gas prices increase after 14 weeks, Virginia prices drop a nickel

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — It's the end of a 14-week streak of declining gas prices across the country, but for Virginians, the cost per gallon is still down a nickel over the past week, according to AAA.

On September 22 AAA said the national gas prices went up by a penny for the first time in 98 days. The increase is because of "fluctuating oil prices and tight supply due to planned and unplanned maintenance work at refineries on the West Coast and Midwest."

Now the national gas price average is at $3.725, whereas last week it was at $3.677.

Virginians are still catching a bit more of a break at the pump. Today the gas price average is $3.35--five cents cheaper than the average last week. It's another nickel closer to last year's $2.99 average.

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Some areas in Virginia see much lower prices than even the state average. King George County is enjoying the lowest gas price average in the state at just $3.08. That's only ten cents higher than the state average a year ago.

In the Lynchburg area, the cheapest prices are found in Pittsylvania County at $3.224. Surrounding counties aren't far behind, though-- Campbell County is seeing an average of $3.25 while Amherst is three cents more.

Roanoke City ($3.266) and Roanoke County ($3.287) are also among the lowest averages in the area.

But not far away, Bland County sees the highest price in the area all the way up at $3.59.

Overall, it's a good week for Virginia's gas prices, but the still-higher averages of some areas could prove to spread once more. According to AAA, price increases will be minimized, however, if "gas demand remains low and continues to drop."