Gas prices hit 7-year high; experts say increases likely to continue

DAYTON, Ohio — Gas prices are up compared to a month ago and expected to continue to rise for the next several months, experts say.

National gas price average likely will increase in the coming month to as much as $3.50 but likely won’t hit record-setting levels of more than $4, according to Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.com, a tech company that operates apps and websites based on finding real-time fuel prices at gas stations.

Since Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by 6 cents to $3.38, according to AAA. Drivers were paying an average of $2.16 a gallon a year ago.

Prices at the pump continue to rise because crude oil prices hit a seven-year high last week, De Haan said.