The national average for a gallon of gas has been steadily rising over the past week, moving seven cents higher to $3.46, and gas prices are eight cents higher in Western Pennsylvania this week at $3.715 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The current average for a gallon of gas in Beaver County is $3.70.

With the cost of oil crossing the $80 per barrel mark and gas demand popping as spring approaches, these seasonal increases are expected. Another critical factor is the arrival of more expensive summer blend gas in some markets, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents. Today’s national average of $3.46 is 19 cents higher than a month ago and two cents higher than a year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased slightly from 9.01 to 9.04 million barrels per day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks dropped by 5.6 million barrels to 234.1 million barrels. Higher gas demand, amid tightening supply, has pushed pump prices higher.

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate increased by $2.16 to settle at $79.72. Oil prices jumped after Ukrainian drones hit Russian refineries. The extent of the damage is unclear, but repairs could curtail Russian petroleum product exports, including diesel, and lead Russia importing products it needs. Additionally, the EIA reported that total domestic commercial crude stocks decreased by 1.5 million barrels to 447 million barrels last week.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at gasprices.aaa.com.