Gas prices up 10 cents since last week in Metro Richmond

Average gasoline prices in Metro Richmond have jumped 10 cents in the past week, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.

The average cost of a gallon of unleaded gas in the region is $2.45 as of March 25; it was $2.35 last week. The Richmond-area average is two cents per gallon more expensive than the statewide average but 16 cents per gallon cheaper than the national average. Last year at this time, the average cost in Metro Richmond was $2.09.

“Continued strong demand for gasoline, rising crude oil prices and declining gasoline inventories have pushed local gas prices anywhere between four and 11 cents higher this week,” said Tammy Arnette, spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “This increase is not a chance occurrence – motorists seeing higher prices at the pump this week should expect those prices to inch even higher as we head into April.”

AAA expects gas prices to increase by double digits ahead of the busy summer driving season.