Why Are Gas Prices So High In Ohio?

OHIO — Gas prices in Ohio and across the nation hit an 8-year high this week.

A gallon of gas in the U.S. now costs, on average, $3.44. That's the most expensive a gallon of gas has been since 2014, according to travel organization AAA. That's also 14 cents more expensive than last month and 98 cents more expensive than last year.

Ohio was among the 10 states with the highest week-to-week gas price increase, with the average gallon of gas jumping 14 cents in price. An average gallon of gas in Ohio is now $3.26.

A combination of severe winter weather across the U.S. and concern over Russia increasing the cost of its crude oil, or withholding its crude altogether, is driving prices at the pump ever higher, AAA officials said.

“This shows how events on the other side of the globe can have a noticeable impact right here in the U.S,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And unfortunately for drivers, they are reminded of this by higher prices at the pump.”

Here are the state's that saw the largest week-to-week increase in per gallon prices.

1. Michigan — Up 15 cents
2. Ohio — Up 14 cents
3. Florida — Up 12 cents
4. Indiana — Up 11 cents
5. Minnesota — Up 11 cents
6. Delaware — Up 11 cents
7. Maryland — Up 10 cents
8. Illinois — Up 9 cents
9. Wisconsin — Up 9 cents
10. Kansas — Up 9 cents

Gas prices in Ohio were at their most expensive in 2011, when the average gallon cost $4.16, AAA said.

For more information on average gas prices across the U.S., visit the AAA website.