Gas prices on the rise in Richmond area - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

The pain at the pump just got a little more painful right in the middle of the summer travel season.

Gas right now is still about 30 cents less than what we were paying this time last year. Don't be surprised if this current price goes up.

The national average for a gallon of regular is $3.38. That's up five cents in a week.

In Chesterfield, we are paying about $3.23. That's up eight cents in a week.

This is bucking a trend we had been seeing all summer. Gas prices had been dropping, prompting people to hit the roads.

Fluctuating oil prices are fueling this new increase. There's uneasiness following western sanctions against Iran. Also, a labor dispute involving Norweigen oil workers hasn't helped.

Some oil production from that nation has been cut off.

Analysts say while it's hard to predict exactly what will happen with gas prices moving forward, they typically go up this time of year.

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