First Posted: 2/23/2015
LIMA — Gas prices are at their highest levels of the year, according to prices reported on GasBuddy.com.
The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas hit $2.35 in Allen County on Monday morning, its highest level of 2015. It’s up 11.6 cents from last week and 46.3 cents from last month. It still remains $1.13 cheaper than this time last year, though.
Ohio saw its average price go up 6.4 cents from last week to Monday, to $2.34, the 14th most expensive average in the country. It’s up 43 cents from last month, but down $1.14 from last year.
“The seasonal lift in gasoline prices remains well underway across the country, with the West Coast seeing the most excruciating rate of price increases,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy. “Not only is the national average up some 27 cents per gallon versus last month, but some areas — like California — are seeing extra hits at the pump as a refinery explosion and seasonal gasoline requirements leading to a home run, and not for the home team.”
Hardin County had the lowest average price in the region, at $2.18 per gallon, follow by Mercer County ($2.19), Van Wert County ($2.20), Auglaize County ($2.24) and Putnam County ($2.25).
Nationally, the average is $2.31, the highest of the year. That’s up 5.4 cents from last week and 27.3 from last month, while it’s still $1.11 lower than last year.
